Author: Glen H. Hetzel, Extension Agricultural Engineer Virginia Tech
Publication Number 442-036, October 1996
Table of Contents
Introduction
Symptoms of Pesticide Poisoning
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Respirators SHOULD NOT be used in low oxygen atmospheres (below 19.5 percent oxygen).
Respirators WILL NOT provide adequate protection for a person having a beard. Choose the model and
make of respirator that provides a good seal between the face piece and the face to prevent pesticides leaking into the respirator and being breathed.
Always wash the face piece and straps in soap and water after each use. After drying place the
respirator and cartridges in a clean plastic bag until it is needed again. Select respirators having the approval of NIOSH or MESA.
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Symptoms of poisoning from organophosphates and carbamates may vary in the order of appearance depending on how exposure occurred. MILD CASES of poisoning from organophosphates and carbamates will include some or all of the following: headache, fatigue, dizziness, loss, of appetite with nausea and stomach cramps, blurred vision (tearing and shrinking of the size of the pupils), sweating,
slobbering, vomiting, diarrhea, slowed heart beat, and muscle rippling. MODERATE CASES of poisoning
will progress from dilated pupils and secretions from the eyes, nose, mouth, lungs, and skin to
unconsciousness and seizures.
Poisonings from organophosphates and carbamate pesticides can be treated with an antidote. In the
event of pesticide poisoning have the attending physician seek antidotal information from the "Note to Physician" statement on the pesticide label. Additional information can be obtained from a poison control center.
Symptoms of poisoning from bipyridyls vary according to how the chemical entered the body.
Exposure of the skin usually causes irritation drying and cracking. If exposure is repeated fingernails may start to show irregular growth and also may turn black around the cuticles or entirely black. If droplets are inhaled irritation of the nose and throat usually occurs. Repeated or prolonged exposures may cause nose bleeds.
When ingested (swallowed) paraquat or other bipyridyls usually cause severe lung tissue damage.
Immediately following ingestion the victim will experience pain in the mouth throat chest and abdominal area. These symptoms may be followed by vomiting, diarrhea, and muscle aches. Symptoms may subside and in a few days evidence of kidney and liver damage such as jaundice and urinary disorders may appear. Three to fourteen days after ingestion coughing, difficult breathing, and fluid build up in the lungs may occur. Total recovery will not be accomplished .
Treatment for poisoning when a bipyridyl has been ingested should he prompt. The stomach should
be emptied and an absorbent to bind the chemical ions should be administered. Fuller's Earth or Bentonite clay are commonly used. Hospital treatment is a must. Treatment kits are available from the manufacturer for giving medical treatment.
More detailed information regarding label information of specific pesticides can be obtained through local Cooperative Extension Service Offices and the VPIRS system at Virginia Tech.
Trade names are used in this publication for information purposes only. The Virginia Cooperative
Extension Service Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and Virginia State University do not
intend or imply discrimination against those not mentioned.
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Label Information
The most important source of information about a pesticide is the label. Manufacturers are required
to provide information regarding what the pesticide is to be used for, how it can be used, how toxic it is,
how to mix it, rate of application, precautions to take, re-entry times, kind of clothing and personal
protective equipment needed, what the antidote is (if there is one), and the symptoms of poisoning if
exposed to the pesticide. Other information about the use, storage, handling, or disposal of the pesticide
may also be found on the label. Always read the label before purchasing, mixing, and applying a pesticide.Toxicity Level
Before purchasing a pesticide, check the label to determine the toxicity level. The three common
toxicity levels are indicated by signal words and are: HIGHLY TOXIC - DANGER or POISON (a skull
and crossed bones will also be shown); MODERATELY TOXIC - WARNING; SLIGHTLY TOXIC
CAUTION.Restricted Use
All pesticides are classified for either GENERAL use or for RESTRICTED use. Anyone can use a
pesticide labeled for GENERAL, use. However, RESTRICTED use pesticides can only be purchased by
someone certified to work with these pesticides. A certified person must be in charge of the application of RESTRICTED use pesticides also. Check with your Extension office for information on becoming
certified.Emergency Situations
Brand names are used to advertise a pesticide. The label will also list the chemical name and/or the
name of the active ingredient In case of an emergency involving the pesticide, always refer to the name of the active ingredient. This will ensure receiving the correct information regarding clean up or emergency medical treatment. The name of the manufacturer and the EPA registration number will also be shown on the label and should he used in emergency situations.Routes of Entry
Pesticides can be taken into the human body by three routes of entry. These are: 1. Ingestion:
swallowed or eaten. 2. Respiratory breathed as a mist, dust, fumes or smoke. .3. Dermal contact: absorbed through the skin. Reactions and symptoms of pesticide poisoning may appear within minutes of exposure or may take hours or days to appear. Reaction time is dependent on such factors as; the kind of pesticide, the strength of pesticide, toxicity level, the amount of the pesticide received, length of exposure time, the route of entry, and others. Some people may also experience allergic reactions from pesticides.Personal Protective Equipment
Pesticides are necessary for agricultural production but potential hazards to users are not adequately emphasized. Accidents involving pesticides are usually due to improper handling, mixing, application of pesticides, or failure to use proper personal protective equipment and clothing.General Guidelines
The minimum protection when working with pesticides is long sleeves, long pants, shoes and socks, rubber gloves, and splash-proof eye protection, regardless of the toxicity level of the pesticide. Rubber boots and a respirator are necessary when working with moderately or highly toxic pesticides. EPA's recommendations include wearing a double layer of clothing. This can be accomplished by wearing coveralls over the long pants and longsleeve shirt, and rubber boots over the shoes and socks.Gloves
The use of gloves is mandatory when working with highly toxic pesticides. It is recommended that
only unlined rubber or neoprene (nitrile, etc.) gloves be used when handling or using all pesticides. Unlined gloves should be thoroughly washed (inside and outside) after each use. Gloves should be at least 12 inches long to provide adequate protection for wrists and the cuffs should be inside sleeves for most work. This will keep runoff pesticide from getting into the gloves. However when working overhead put the cuffs of gloves outside sleeves. Check rubber type gloves for leaks each time they are washed. Do this by filling gloves with water and fold the cuff over to put pressure on the water in the glove. If there are holes water will leak out. Discard gloves with leaks. NEVER USE CLOTH OR LEATHER GLOVES WHEN WORKING WITH PESTICIDES unless specified on the label.Goggles and Face Shields
It is necessary to wear splash-proof goggles when working with pesticides. Not only can the pesticide be absorbed through the eyes but the acidity of a pesticide can cause permanent eye injuries also.
Use goggles meeting or exceeding ANSI standard Z87.1, 1968 estimate. When pouring or mixing
concentrates it is preferable to use a full-face shield to protect the face from splashes. Always wash the goggles or face shield with soap and water after use.Boots
Unlined rubber or neoprene (nitrile, ete.) boots should be worn over work shoes or in place of work
shoes when mixing or applying pesticides. Pull the legs of trousers over the tops of boots to help prevent spilled pesticide from getting inside boots. Wash boots with soap and water after each use. NEVER WEAR CLOTH OR LEATHER BOOTS WHEN MIXING, OR APPLYING PESTICIDES. Cloth or leather boots will absorb pesticides and allow the pesticide to contact the skin of the leg or foot and will be a source of residues causing chronic exposure.Headwear
A waterproof hat should be worn when mixing or applying pesticides because pesticides can be
readily absorbed through the scalp. The hat should have a brim to keep drift or splashes off ears and neck. Plastic safety hats are ideal for use with pesticides and should be washed in soap and water after each use. Cloth hats may absorb pesticides and contaminate the wearer. D0 NOT USE CLOTH HATS.Respirators
Respirators are designed to prevent inhaling toxic fumes and mists. They should be used when mixing or applying pesticides if the label specifies the need. Chhoose the correct cartridge for the type of
pesticide being used. The manufacturer or supplier can provide guidance on selecting correct cartridges. Replace cartridges when the odor Of the pesticide becomes noticeable or when breathing becomes difficult during use. The life of cartridges will vary with the concentration of pesticide in the air around the respirator breathing rate of the user temperature humidity and composition of the cartridge.Symptoms of Pesticide Poisoning
Pesticides can be considered according to their chemical basis. Most of the more toxic pesticides fall into the following chemical groups: Organophosphates, carbamates and Bipyridyls.Organophosphates and Carbamates:
Organophosphates and carbamates are insecticides that affect humans by inhibiting the production of
the enzyme cholinesterase which is important in the correct functioning of the nervous system. If a
sufficient amount of cholinesterase is not produced muscle reactions become erratic and the victim may
display symptoms fairly soon after exposure. However, delayed reaction times up to twelve hours may occur from exposure to parathion, Giuthion, or Thimet. An exception to this would be cases resulting from accumulations received in small doses repeated frequently.Bipyridyls:
A number of poisonings occur each year from chemicals such as paraquat and diquat. These are
bipyridyls and affect skin, nails, mucous membranes, gastro-intestinal tract, and respiratory system.