INSECTICIDE POISONING

Insecticide poisoning occurs when someone swallows or breathes in insecticides. Many insecticides can cause poisoning after being swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin.

As stated in INSECTICIDES AND YOUR HEALTH, insecticides contain very harmful chemicals which can be very detrimental to your health. Once any of these chemicals are ingested, they could cause some serious health problems to the individual.

And know this; some insecticides are odorless, thus the person is unaware of being exposed to them. That's the more reason you need to be very careful.
                              SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of insecticide poisoning ranges from mild to complex, depending on the type of chemical component of the ingested insecticide. Symptoms include:

• Eye tearing • Sneezing • Blurred vision • Salivation • Sweating • Coughing • Vomiting • Frequent bowel movements and urination • Loss of appetite • Nausea • Dizziness • Headache

Other symptoms include :

• Decreased heart rate which can become erratic and lead to seizures • Breathing difficulty, which leads muscles twitching and weakness (rarely fatal) • Coma • Convulsions • Irritation • Redness of skin • Abdominal cramps • Diarrhea.

                                  TREATMENT

Prevention they say, is better than cure. It is best advised that you reduce your use of insecticides. And if you must use, follow the safety and application instructions on the packaging label of insecticides to prevent bad effects to yourself and the environment.

In case insecticide poisoning eventually occurs, it is advisable to get medical help right away. Do NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by poison control or a health care professional.

If the chemical is on the skin or in the eyes, flush with lots of water for at least 15 minutes. If the person breathed in the poison, immediately move him or her to fresh air.

NOTE: Should you find yourself or a relative in this situation, please call or visit your doctor immediately. Trying to treat yourself at home could worsen the situation. Remember, your health and physical well-being is paramount.

Please read TIPS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN USING INSECTICIDES to know how best to make use of insecticides. Remember, your health is paramount.

References:
MEDLINE
MERKMANUALS