Guest Post: Preventing Pesticide Poisoning in the Home

"Pesticides were identified as the ninth most common substance reported to poison control centers, and approximately 45% of all reports of pesticide poisoning were for children." [1]
Further,
"An EPA survey showed that almost half (47%) of households with young children and 75% of homes without young children had pesticides stored in unlocked cabinets within reach of children." [2]

Pesticides are chemicals that kill or otherwise control pests. They can be either synthetic (man-made) or organic (naturally-occurring). Both types can be toxic to people.

 Common household pesticides include:

Ÿ disinfectants and sanitizers

Ÿ products used to remove mold and mildew

Ÿ cockroach and ant baits

Ÿ insect repellents

Ÿ pet products that control fleas and ticks

Ÿ herbicides (i.e., weed killers)

Ÿ pool chemicals

Preventing pesticide poisoning in the home begins with safe storage practices. Avoid stockpiling pesticide products. Buy products in quantities that can be used in a short period of time. Remember that many common household cleaning products and disinfecting agents are, in fact, pesticides. Consequently, homeowners often inadvertently store household pesticides in kitchens and bathrooms. Read pesticide labels carefully for safe storage recommendations. Every pesticide label will alert the user to, “Keep Out of Reach of Children.” Remove any pesticides from under sinks, in vanities, or on garage benches and place all pesticides out of reach of children in a designated, locked cabinet or one equipped with a child-proof safety latch. Always store pesticides in their original labeled containers and never transfer them to food or drink containers.

Exposure to pesticides can also happen during, and even after, application. Consider purchasing ready-to-use pesticides rather than concentrates. Select low toxicity pesticide products labeled “Caution” on the front panel and read and follow label instructions. Move children, their toys, and pets out of areas where pesticides will be used. Keep them out of treated areas until the pesticide has dried (or according to label instructions). Ventilate treated rooms before re-entering. When treating pets with flea and tick products keep them away from children until the product has completely dried

Improper insect repellent use is another often overlooked source of pesticide exposure. Never over-apply insect repellents to yourself or others. Repellents are intended for use on exposed skin and clothing. Do not apply repellents under clothing or onto cut, bruised, or irritated skin and do not apply onto the face or hands of children.

Always close pesticide containers tightly after use and make sure to use child-resistant packaging correctly (e.g., fully engage cap mechanisms). Never leave an open pesticide container unattended. Finally, and just in case, post or program the Poison Control Centers’ national hotline telephone number, (800) 222-1222 to your personal phone.

For more information about safe pesticide use around the home, visit:

Ÿ Purdue Pesticide Programs at http://www.ppp.purdue.edu/

Ÿ National Pesticide Information Center at http://www.npic.orst.edu/

Ÿ Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/

Photos courtesy of pesticidepics.org

-Drew Martin, Curriculum Development Specialist

Purdue Pesticide Programs

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[1] Roberts, J.R. & Karr, C.J. (2012). Pesticide Exposure in Children. 130 (6). Abstract retrieved on-line, March 11, 2013, at:www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23184105

[2] National Pesticide Information Center: Poison Prevention. Retrieved on-line, March 11, 2013, at: www.npic.orst.edu/health/poisonprevent.html.