Take Precautions When Using Pesticides

When used properly, pesticides are safe for use around the home. When using a pesticide, follow the same safe-handling practices of any concentrated chemical. Read the label before purchasing so you know what precautions are required, and then follow the directions precisely.

Avoid exposing skin surfaces to the chemical. Wear gloves, eye protection and coveralls. The skin and eyes are the most likely channels for pesticides to enter the body. Be wary of clothing that becomes wet with a chemical because it can soak through to the skin surface. Do not spray pesticides outdoors when it's windy or you may put yourself and others at risk.

Make sure the product is not a highly concentrated compound meant for commercial use. If a pesticide requires that a mask be worn during application, this may be a job for professionals. Consumers usually do not have the training or the equipment to handle such compounds. In fact, the type of mask needed is not generally available to consumers. The typical dust mask available in drug stores will not protect against the misted sprays of pesticide applications. Inhalation allows absorption of a high percentage of the pesticide compound.

Any pesticide containing organophosphate compounds should be treated with particular caution. Often contained in roach and wasp sprays, it is an excellent pesticide that affects the enzyme system connecting nerves to muscles. But these compounds can have a similar effect on humans and pets and may be deadly in very high doses.

Children may be more susceptible to the effects of pesticides because they have a larger skin surface area compared to their body weight. And because they're often outdoors, playing and rolling around in the yard, they may have greater exposure to the chemicals than adults. Pets cannot read signs, so be sure to keep them away from any area treated with wet compounds until dry.

Skin that comes into contact with pesticides should be immediately washed with soap and water. Water helps dilute the chemical and soap removes the oil that binds the active ingredients. Affected eyes should be flushed with lots of water. Ridding the body of the pesticide as soon as possible helps minimize any effects. Wash clothes with detergent.

If skin irritation continues, you should contact a physician. Severe exposure to compounds such as organophosphates requires medication to combat effects like twitching muscles and a racing heart rate. On the other hand, the worst reaction to another pesticide, pyrethroids, is a temporary skin sensation. Pyrethroid-like compounds occur naturally in the mum flower. Pyrethroid insecticides are readily available at hardware stores. In any case, always remember to use caution when using, storing and disposing of pesticides.

William W. Greaves, MD, MSPH
Associate Professor, Division of Public Health
Director of MPH Programs and the Division of Public Health
Medical College of Wisconsin

Each year, Medical College of Wisconsin physicians care for more than 180,000 patients, representing nearly 500,000 patient visits. Medical College physicians practice at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital, the Milwaukee VA Medical Center, and many other hospitals and clinics in Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin.