Pesticide poisoning

Poisoning by exposure to pesticides may occur shortly after a single exposure (acute poisoning) or gradually after repeated exposures over a period of time (chronic poisoning).

Acute poisoning from pesticides

Symptoms of acute poisoning from pesticides may begin shortly after exposure and may include:

• headache
• dizziness
• nausea
• vomiting
• stomach cramps
• diarrhoea
• blurred vision
• excessive eye watering
• sweating
• excess saliva.

More severe poisoning may also lead to changes in heart rate, chest tightness, muscle weakness and twitching, difficulty breathing and walking, constricted pupils and incontinence. In very severe cases of poisoning, seizures and unconsciousness may occur.

Chronic poisoning from pesticide

Symptoms may occur gradually, after repeated exposures over a period of time, and may include:

• muscle weakness
• fatigue
• difficulty concentrating and remembering things
• generally feeling unwell.

The type of symptoms you have, how long they last and how severe they are may vary depending on factors such as:

• the type and concentration of the pesticide used
• the degree of exposure
• the health and age of the person exposed.

Many of the potential symptoms are not specific to pesticide poisoning – they may be due to other conditions, such as illness or allergy. You should always consult your doctor for an accurate diagnosis of symptoms.

People and pesticide poisoning

While pesticides are useful for the control of various pests, many of them are hazardous chemicals. They are hazardous because they can poison the land, the water and the air.

It is very important to only use pesticides in accordance with the label directions which are found on the pesticide container. When people using pesticides become careless they run the risk of poisoning themselves, other people and animals and plants.

Animals which are intended to be killed with pesticides are called target animals. Animals (including people) which are not intended to be killed when a pesticide is used are called non-target animals.

Pesticides can enter the human body in three ways, which are outlined below.

Oral entry

This type of entry is through the mouth in the food we eat or the liquids we drink. Also, if there is any pesticide on our hands it can get into the body when the hands are licked, when the face is wiped near the mouth, or when a cigarette becomes contaminated and is put into the mouth. 

Respiratory entry

Pesticide sprays, vapours or powders can be breathed in through the mouth and nose.

Dermal entry

Pesticide spray which lands on the body can be absorbed through the skin and eyes. Pesticides are commonly absorbed very quickly through the eyes, forehead and forearms. 

Fig: Ways pesticides enter the body. 

Some of the ways by which careless use of pesticides can cause people or other animals to be poisoned accidentally include:

• not reading the label
• putting pesticide in a food or drink container, such as a drink bottle. Children may eat or drink the pesticide by mistake
• leaving pesticide baits in places where children and pets can get them
• not using protective clothing or equipment when mixing or spraying a pesticide
• contaminating uncovered food and drink or cooking/eating utensils while carrying out a spraying operation
• spraying in windy conditions so that the spray drifts away to other areas
• spraying areas which do not need to be treated
• not moving other people and animals away from the spraying area

All of these careless practices greatly increase the chance of someone being harmed by accidently absorbing (taking into the body) some of the pesticide either orally, dermally or through respiration.

Pest infestations

Pest infestations can be very annoying. They can make your house feel dirty and uncomfortable. Unfortunately, pest infestations can also cause a number of health problems in children and adults. A pest infestation could pose at least five different health hazards.

Dysentery, Salmonella and Gastroenteritis

One of the main health hazards from pests comes in the form of contaminated food. Pests like cockroaches, mice and flies all carry bacteria. They can spread bacteria to food in your home through direct contact or by delayed contact with droppings. The result could be serious illnesses like dysentery, salmonella and gastroenteritis that cause pain, dehydration and other intestinal issues.

Hantavirus

Mice can carry a disease known as hantavirus. Hantavirus can cause serious problems in humans from respiratory issues and hemorrhagic fever to death. Humans can contract hantavirus through droppings. It is even possible to get it by breathing in the dust from the feces or urine left by the mice. This is why dealing with any rodent problem in your home is important.

Asthma and Respiratory Issues

Roaches, mice and many other insects can all lead to respiratory issues. The droppings and carcasses of cockroaches release a protein that triggers allergic reactions. This can cause severe asthma attacks. Long-term exposure can harm the lungs even if you do not have pre-existing respiratory issues. The problems will persist and grow worse as long as the infestation continues.

Leptospirosis
Rodents can spread leptospirosis to human beings. The bacterial disease can be spread when humans come into contact with rodent urine or feces. It can be spread by eating or drinking anything that has been exposed to fluids from a mouse or rat. Leptospirosis causes fever and can lead to kidney failure, liver failure, brain swelling and potentially death. Avoiding leptospirosis means keeping rodents out of the home.

West Nile Virus

West Nile virus is a serious health hazard when your home has been infested with mosquitoes. Mosquitoes transmit this virus when they bite. West Nile can lead to a life-threatening illness in some people. It can be fatal.

It is important to respond to signs of pests in your home immediately. Do not wait since this provides the pests time to start reproducing and making the problem worse. You should immediately start taking steps to eliminate the pests as soon as signs of a problem appear.

How Pests and Rodents Can Affect Your Health

How Pests and Rodents Can Affect Your Health

The fact remains - pests and rodents, can have harmful effects upon your health and your family's health. It is important to fully understand the dangers stemming from these types of infestations. Did you know that some of the most common pests in homes are cockroaches, rodents and ants? It is unsettling to think of us sharing our homes with these pests because of the serious threats they pose. Below is a more detailed overview of the health risks associated with particular pests.

Cockroaches

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) reports that one-in-five children in the United States have severe sensitivities to cockroach allergens, which increase the severity of asthma symptoms. These allergens are most commonly introduced in homes through cockroach saliva, droppings and the decomposing bodies of these pests. Cockroaches can also carry bacteria such as E coli and salmonella on their bodies, which can contaminate food, cooking equipment and food surfaces.

Rodents

Rodents can enter a building through almost any opening or crack. It is important to inspect for rodent droppings, especially in undisturbed areas such as pantries, under baseboards and along walls. Rodent droppings most often cause allergic reactions in human beings but can also cause disease, including the potentially deadly Hantavirus. More frequently, though, rodents serve as vectors, carrying bacteria, such as salmonella, on their bodies and contaminating food sources, kitchen surfaces and equipment. A pest control professional can offer the expertise and knowledge of rodent biology to best protect your health and rid your home of a rodent infestation.

Mosquitoes

With the increased prevalence of West Nile Virus in the summer months, mosquitoes continue to be, not only a summer nuisance pest but also, a major health threat. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), West Nile Virus infections have appeared across the United States in recent years, which makes avoiding mosquito nesting/breeding sites and eliminating standing water in or around the home even more important to the protection of public health. In addition, to the potential for West Nile Virus, mosquitoes can also cause itchy, unsightly marks as well as severe allergic reactions in human beings.

Ticks

Lyme disease has emerged, in recent years, as a major health risk to human beings. Transmitted by ticks, typically between May and October, Lyme disease is largely found in the Northeastern, upper mid-western Western states of the U.S. However, there has been an increase in the diagnosed cases of Lyme disease in the South. It is critical to be vigilant of ticks, especially if you are in wooded areas. Symptoms of Lyme disease include a "bull's eye" rash around the bite, flu-like symptoms and extreme fatigue.

Summer Stingers (Bees, Yellow Jackets, Hornets, etc)

Stinging pests send more than 500,000 people to the emergency room each year. These pests are aggressive in nature and often sting as a way to protect their colonies or larvae from human beings who attempt to remedy an infestation on their own. This aggressiveness, combined with being disturbed, often means that these pests tend to sting repeatedly, which adds to the potential for greater skin irritation or a serious allergic reaction. A pest control professional can provide a level of expertise and knowledge of technology that can best rid these stinging insects and prevents future infestations.

Ants

Ants are social insects. Therefore, spotting one ant unfortunately signifies there are many more to follow. Ants are not simply unsightly - they can also be dangerous contaminates to food. Considering that you likely eat multiple meals a day in your home, the presence of ants and the potential for food contamination from their presence is an issue that must be addressed when considering your health and the health of your family. If you have an ant infestation, be sure to take action to treat the problem and contact a licensed pest control professional to aid you in preventing future infestations. 

Fleas

Fleas aren't just a problem for man's best friend. These pests, which commonly appear in warmer months, feed on the blood of any warm-blooded body. Typically biting human beings, fleas can cause itchy, unsightly marks as well as severe allergic reactions. Fleas tend to travel with mammals on the move, which can include not only you and your pet but also rodents. If you have a rodent problem in your home, fleas may be soon to follow. If you suspect a flea infestation, be proactive in treating the problem and contact a licensed pest control professional to rid your home of fleas and to prevent future infestations

Lassa fever

Key facts

• Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness of 1-4 weeks duration that occurs in West Africa.

• The Lassa virus is transmitted to humans via contact with food or household items contaminated with rodent urine or faeces.

• Person-to-person infections and laboratory transmission can also occur, particularly in hospitals lacking adequate infection prevent and control measures.

• Lassa fever is known to be endemic in Benin (where it was diagnosed for the first time in November 2014), Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone and parts of Nigeria, but probably exists in other West African countries as well.

• The overall case-fatality rate is 1%. Observed case-fatality rate among patients hospitalized with severe cases of Lassa fever is 15%.

• Early supportive care with rehydration and symptomatic treatment improves survival.