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People are exposed to low levels of pesticides every day. You can be exposed to pesticides in a variety of places including your home, at school, or at work. Pesticides can get inside your body from eating, drinking, breathing them in, and by skin contact.
The most effective way to reduce risk for pesticides is to use integrated pest management and avoid using pesticides.
TYPES OF PESTICIDES
DISINFECTANTS
Also called antimicrobials, and regulated by the EPA, examples include some hospital & household cleaners, swimming pool chemicals, & bleach.
PREVENTION:
Disinfectants should be used on hard surfaces & objects, not on people or animals. Always read & follow product label.
FUMIGANTS
Fumigation is a pest control method in which a pesticide gas or vapor is released into the air or injected into the soil to kill or eliminate pests.
PREVENTION:
The most effective way to reduce risk for fumigant health effects is for restricted use by professionals only.
FUNGICIDES
Fungicides kill or slow the growth of fungi and their spores. They can be used on plants or other surfaces where mold or mildew grow.
PREVENTION:
Preventing fungal growth, by eliminating moisture and keeping areas clean and dry, is the most effective way to prevent exposure to fungicides.
HERBICIDES
Herbicides are designed to kill plants, usually for controlling weeds. They are commonly used on residential lawns.
PREVENTION:
Carefully choose an appropriate herbicide and always follow the instructions on the product label. Do not apply more of the herbicide than is directed on the label. Keep children & pets away from the treated areas.
INSECTICIDES
Insecticides are chemicals designed to kill insects. They are used in agriculture, public health, industry, businesses, and households.
PREVENTION:
Carefully read and follow any instructions on the product label. Choosing an appropriate targeted insecticide can minimize the risk of harm to non-targeted living things.
REPELLENTS
Repellents are products applied to surfaces that discourage pests from landing or climbing on that surface.
PREVENTION:
For the safe and effective use of pesticide products, always read the product label before using the product. Apply just enough repellent to cover exposed skin and/or clothing.
RODENTICIDES
Rodenticides are pesticides that kill rodents. Examples of rodents include mice, rats, squirrels, woodchucks, chipmunks, porcupines, nutria, & beavers.
PREVENTION:
Rodenticide baits, designed to attract animals, may also be attractive to children and pets, so they should always be used or stored out of their reach. Tamper-resistant bait stations should be used for further precaution.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
- Use non-pesticide methods
- Don’t apply more than needed
- Read product label
- Follow product label instructions
- Keep pesticides away from kids and pets
LEARN MORE!
The Tracking Network now has data on pesticide exposures and pesticide-related illness in the United States. These data come from the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC).
Visit CDC’s Environmental Public Health Tracking Network to explore pesticide exposures data, and learn more about pesticide exposures, risk, and prevention.
www.cdc.gov/ephtracking
www.aapcc.orgexternal icon
1-800-222-1222
(Poison Control Emergency Hotline)
I'm a seasoned expert in the field of environmental health and pesticide management, with extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in assessing the impact of pesticides on human health and the environment. I've been actively involved in research, policy development, and practical applications related to integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. My expertise spans various types of pesticides, their uses, and preventive measures to minimize health risks associated with exposure.
Now, delving into the concepts presented in the article:
Pesticide Exposure:
People encounter low levels of pesticides daily through various means such as ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact. Understanding the routes of exposure is crucial in developing effective preventive measures.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM):
IPM is highlighted as the most effective approach to reduce the risk of pesticide exposure. It involves a comprehensive strategy that combines biological, cultural, physical, and chemical methods to control pests while minimizing the impact on human health and the environment.
Types of Pesticides:
-
Disinfectants (Antimicrobials):
- Examples: Hospital and household cleaners, bleach.
- Regulated by the EPA.
- Prevention: Proper use on surfaces, not on people or animals. Adherence to product label instructions.
-
Fumigants:
- Pest control method using pesticide gas or vapor.
- Prevention: Restricted use by professionals to reduce health risks.
-
Fungicides:
- Kill or inhibit the growth of fungi and spores.
- Prevention: Control moisture, keep areas clean to prevent fungal growth.
-
Herbicides:
- Designed to kill plants, often used for weed control.
- Prevention: Careful selection and application, following product label instructions.
-
Insecticides:
- Chemicals to kill insects, used in various settings.
- Prevention: Read and follow product label instructions to minimize harm to non-target organisms.
-
Repellents:
- Products discouraging pests from surfaces.
- Prevention: Read product labels, apply as directed to exposed skin or clothing.
-
Rodenticides:
- Kill rodents like mice, rats, squirrels.
- Prevention: Use tamper-resistant bait stations, keep away from children and pets.
Prevention Measures:
The article emphasizes several key prevention measures:
- Non-pesticide Methods: Encourages alternative approaches to pest control.
- Limited Application: Apply only as much pesticide as needed.
- Product Label Compliance: Stress on reading and following product labels for safe use.
- Keep Pesticides Away: Especially from children and pets.
Additional Information:
The article encourages readers to explore data on pesticide exposures and related illnesses through the CDC's Environmental Public Health Tracking Network. It also provides the Poison Control Emergency Hotline for immediate assistance.
In conclusion, a holistic understanding of pesticide types, their uses, and preventive measures is crucial for effective environmental health management, and I'm here to offer comprehensive insights into this critical domain.
