The risk of negative health effects from a pesticide depends on its toxicity (how poisonous it is) and your exposure (the amount you get in or on your body). In addition, certain population groups such as children, pregnant women and the elderly may be more sensitive to the effects of pesticides than others. Risks associated with pesticides can be greatly reduced, or even eliminated, byselecting the least-toxic product to control a pest and by minimizing your exposure.
The following resources will help you find information to evaluate pesticide health risks. For pesticide poisonings and other health emergencies, call 911 or see Pesticide Emergencies. If you are experiencing adverse health effects that you think may be a result of a pesticide exposure, but the situation is not an emergency, consult with your health care provider and the Minnesota Poison Control System (1-800-222-1222).
Products/Ingredients
To find out about the health risks associated with a pesticide exposure, you will need to obtain information about the pesticide product. From the product label, record the product's name, active ingredient(s), and U.S. EPA Registration number (required for all registered pesticide products). If the label is not available, but you know the product's name, see Registered Product Search.
Exposure
To evaluate your pesticide health risk, it is important to consider factors that may influence the nature and extent of your pesticide exposure. For example:
- How and where was the application made? Who made the application? Did they follow directions on the product label?
- What was the extent (frequency, duration) of your contact with the pesticide or contaminated surfaces?
- How were you exposed (inhalation, ingestion, and/or skin exposure)?
- How long does the pesticide stay in the environment? In the body?
- Many pesticides are readily removed by the body ( e.g., in urine or feces) in a matter of hours or days.
Consult with your health care provider to determine if a test is available to measure the pesticide in your blood, urine, or other bodily fluid. Provide them with as much information as possible about the pesticide product and your exposure.
Toxicity
Pesticide active ingredients differ in their levels of toxicity. They also differ in chemical properties (such as how long they stay in the environment or in the human body) that can be important for assessing risks.
Start your search by looking for the active ingredient in the resources below.
Fact Sheets
National Pesticide Information Center:Active Ingredient Fact Sheets
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Search and Retrieval Systems
National Library of Medicine:
United States Environmental Protection Agency:
Resources
Minnesota Department of Health: Risk Assessment Minnesota Department of Agriculture Minnesota Poison Control System: Poison Help National Pesticide Information Center Uso seguro de los pesticidas (U.S. EPA Spanish-Language Information on Safe Use of Pesticides)
In the realm of pesticides, navigating the landscape of potential health risks requires a comprehensive understanding of toxicity, exposure, and the specific vulnerabilities of different populations. Let's dive into the concepts highlighted in the provided article.
Toxicity: Understanding the toxicity of a pesticide is crucial. The toxicity refers to how poisonous a pesticide is. Active ingredients in pesticides vary in their levels of toxicity. To delve deeper into this, you can explore resources like the National Pesticide Information Center's Active Ingredient Fact Sheets, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry's ToxFAQs, and even the United States Environmental Protection Agency's Pesticide Chemical Search.
Exposure: The amount of exposure to a pesticide plays a pivotal role in assessing health risks. Factors such as application methods, adherence to product label directions, and the frequency and duration of contact all contribute. It's important to consider inhalation, ingestion, and skin exposure. Resources like the Minnesota Department of Health and the National Pesticide Information Center can provide valuable information on evaluating and minimizing exposure risks.
Population Sensitivity: Certain groups, such as children, pregnant women, and the elderly, may be more susceptible to the effects of pesticides. Recognizing this vulnerability is key to effective risk assessment and management.
Risk Reduction: The article emphasizes that risks associated with pesticides can be mitigated by selecting the least-toxic products and minimizing exposure. This involves obtaining detailed information about the pesticide product, including its name, active ingredient(s), and U.S. EPA Registration number. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture and the Pesticide Product Label System are excellent resources for obtaining this crucial information.
Emergency Situations: In cases of pesticide poisonings or other health emergencies, immediate action is necessary. The article rightly directs individuals to call 911 or seek assistance from Pesticide Emergencies. For non-emergency situations where adverse health effects are suspected, consulting with a healthcare provider and the Minnesota Poison Control System is advised.
This comprehensive approach to understanding and managing pesticide health risks demonstrates the importance of informed decision-making and responsible pesticide use.
