Pesticides and Human Health

1. Pesticides and Human Health Pesticides are designed to kill or harm pest. But pesticides can also harm or kill people. This is chapter 6 of the Pesticide Applicator Core Training Manual, Pesticides and Human Health. Pesticides are designed to kill or harm pest. But pesticides can also harm or kill people. This is chapter 6 of the Pesticide Applicator Core Training Manual, Pesticides and Human Health.

2. HAZARD = EXPOSURE x TOXICITY Pesticides vary in how poisonous or toxic they are. This simple formula helps determine the risk of handling a particular pesticide. Hazard = Exposure x Toxicity Hazard is the risk of the pesticide to cause injury and is a function of both exposure and toxicity. Toxicity is how poisonous the pesticide is. Exposure is how the pesticide enters the body. Pesticides vary in how poisonous or toxic they are. This simple formula helps determine the risk of handling a particular pesticide. Hazard = Exposure x Toxicity Hazard is the risk of the pesticide to cause injury and is a function of both exposure and toxicity. Toxicity is how poisonous the pesticide is. Exposure is how the pesticide enters the body.

3. 4 Methods of Exposure Dermal (skin) Oral (mouth) Inhalation (lungs) Eyes There are 4 ways pesticides can enter the body. The pesticide comes into contact with 1. the skin. Dermal Exposure 2. the mouth or is swallowed. Oral Exposure 3. the lungs. Pesticide vapors or dust are inhaled. Inhalation 4. the eyes. There are 4 ways pesticides can enter the body. The pesticide comes into contact with 1. the skin. Dermal Exposure 2. the mouth or is swallowed. Oral Exposure 3. the lungs. Pesticide vapors or dust are inhaled. Inhalation 4. the eyes.

4. Dermal exposure rinse with water remove contaminated clothing wash with plenty of soap and water The most common way pesticides enter the body is through the skin. To help reduce dermal exposure wear the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) and always wash your hands after handling pesticides or contaminated items. If skin comes into contact with a pesticide -rinse with water - remove contaminated clothing - and wash with plenty of soap and waterThe most common way pesticides enter the body is through the skin. To help reduce dermal exposure wear the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) and always wash your hands after handling pesticides or contaminated items. If skin comes into contact with a pesticide -rinse with water - remove contaminated clothing - and wash with plenty of soap and water

5. Parts of the body absorb pesticides at different rates. The head is 4 times more absorbent then the hand and the genital area is 11 times more absorbent. El grado de absorción varía según las partes del cuerpo. La cabeza absorbe 4 veces más que la mano y la zona escrotal es 11 veces más absorbente que la mano. Different parts of the body absorb pesticides at different rates. For example, your hands are not very absorbent compared with other parts of the body. The head is 4 times more absorbent and the genital area is 11 times more absorbent than your hands. Remember to always wash your hands before using the bathroom. Different parts of the body absorb pesticides at different rates. For example, your hands are not very absorbent compared with other parts of the body. The head is 4 times more absorbent and the genital area is 11 times more absorbent than your hands. Remember to always wash your hands before using the bathroom.

6. Oral Exposure rinse mouth with water Do not induce vomiting if victim is unconscious having convulsions petroleum based product corrosive pesticide label specifies NOT to induce vomiting Lavarse la boca con agua No se induce el vomito si la víctima está inconsciente la víctima tiene convulsiones el pesticida es derivado del petróleo el pesticida es corrosivo la etiqueta dice - No inducir el vomito Pesticide poisoning from oral exposure is very dangerous. Oral exposure can occur from splashing, putting contaminated items and hands in or near mouth, such as food or cigarettes, or accidentally ingesting the pesticide. If a pesticide is splashed on to the mouth or swallowed - rinse mouth with water - and induce vomiting unless - the victim is unconscious, - the victim is having convulsions, - the pesticide is petroleum based, - the pesticide is corrosive, - or the label says DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Pesticide poisoning from oral exposure is very dangerous. Oral exposure can occur from splashing, putting contaminated items and hands in or near mouth, such as food or cigarettes, or accidentally ingesting the pesticide. If a pesticide is splashed on to the mouth or swallowed - rinse mouth with water - and induce vomiting unless - the victim is unconscious, - the victim is having convulsions, - the pesticide is petroleum based, - the pesticide is corrosive, - or the label says DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING.

7. Pesticides removed from their original containers are the highest cause of pesticide poisonings in adults and children. La transferencia de los pesticidas de su envase original es la mayor causa del envenenamiento de pesticida tanto en los adultos como en los niños. Most pesticide poisonings of children occur because pesticides were removed from their original containers and stored in an unlabeled common container such as milk jugs and soda bottles. Keep pesticides in their original labeled containers.Most pesticide poisonings of children occur because pesticides were removed from their original containers and stored in an unlabeled common container such as milk jugs and soda bottles. Keep pesticides in their original labeled containers.

8. Inhalation Exposure remove to fresh air loosen tight clothing keep air passages clear perform artificial respiration if necessary Pesticides can damage your nose, mouth, throat and lungs when you breathe in pesticide dusts and vapors. If pesticides are inhaled -get victim to fresh air and loosen any tight clothing that might restrict breathing. -keep all air passages (nose and mouth) open and free from obstructions. -perform artificial respiration if necessary. Pesticides can damage your nose, mouth, throat and lungs when you breathe in pesticide dusts and vapors. If pesticides are inhaled -get victim to fresh air and loosen any tight clothing that might restrict breathing. -keep all air passages (nose and mouth) open and free from obstructions. -perform artificial respiration if necessary.

9. Eye exposure wash eye with a gentle stream of clean water for 15+ minutes get medical attention if there is pain or reddening of the eye Your eyes also easily absorb pesticides. Eye exposure can cause temporary or permanent blindness. If pesticides contact your eyes wash with pure, clean water for 15 or more minutes and seek medical attention.Your eyes also easily absorb pesticides. Eye exposure can cause temporary or permanent blindness. If pesticides contact your eyes wash with pure, clean water for 15 or more minutes and seek medical attention.

10. First Aid Act immediately! Stop exposure Rinse with clean water Read and follow label directions! See a doctor and bring the pesticide label. First aid treatments are different for each pesticide and method of exposure. Always read the pesticide label BEFORE using the product so you know what to do in case of a poisoning. First aid treatments are different for each pesticide and method of exposure. Always read the pesticide label BEFORE using the product so you know what to do in case of a poisoning.

11. HAZARD = EXPOSURE x TOXICITY Toxicity = the pesticide’s ability to cause damage The other half of the risk equation is toxicity. The pesticide label gives a quick indication of how poisonous the pesticide is - the signal word.The other half of the risk equation is toxicity. The pesticide label gives a quick indication of how poisonous the pesticide is - the signal word.

12. Acute Toxicity immediate harm caused by pesticide exposure (within 24 hours) signal words measure acute toxicity for skin, mouth, lung and eye exposure The signal word is determined by measuring acute toxicity. Acute toxicity is the ability of a pesticide to cause damage within 24 hours after a single exposure. Tests are done to measure the acute toxicity of all 4 methods of exposure.The signal word is determined by measuring acute toxicity. Acute toxicity is the ability of a pesticide to cause damage within 24 hours after a single exposure. Tests are done to measure the acute toxicity of all 4 methods of exposure.

13. Acute Toxicity is measured in LD50 and LC50 Acute toxicity is expressed as “ lethal dose 50 percent” and “lethal concentration 50 percent”, or the LD50 or LC50. This is the single dose of pesticide that kills 1/2 or 50% of the test animals it is given to.Acute toxicity is expressed as “ lethal dose 50 percent” and “lethal concentration 50 percent”, or the LD50 or LC50. This is the single dose of pesticide that kills 1/2 or 50% of the test animals it is given to.

14. What this meansQue significa higher LD50/LC50 = less toxic entre más alto el DL50/CL50 = menos tóxico lower LD50/LC50 = more toxic entre más bajo el DL50/CL50 = más tóxico Another way to think about the LD50/LC50 is the higher the LD50, the less toxic the pesticide-it takes more to kill. The lower the LD50, the more toxic - it takes less to kill. Another way to think about the LD50/LC50 is the higher the LD50, the less toxic the pesticide-it takes more to kill. The lower the LD50, the more toxic - it takes less to kill.

15. Toxicity - 4 Categories Based on the LD50, pesticides are separated into 4 categories. Category I is the most toxic and category IV is the least toxic. For example, a moderately toxic pesticide(which has an adult lethal dose of 1 teaspoon to 1 ounce) would be placed in category II and given the signal word WARNING. Based on the LD50, pesticides are separated into 4 categories. Category I is the most toxic and category IV is the least toxic. For example, a moderately toxic pesticide(which has an adult lethal dose of 1 teaspoon to 1 ounce) would be placed in category II and given the signal word WARNING.

16. Putting it all together….. = Category I = DANGER/POISON = low LD50/LC50 = small amount of pesticide can kill or harm you Pesticides with high acute toxicity are placed in category I, the signal word DANGER appears on the label, they have a low LD50/LC50, and they can kill or harm you in very small amounts such as droplets. Pesticides with high acute toxicity are placed in category I, the signal word DANGER appears on the label, they have a low LD50/LC50, and they can kill or harm you in very small amounts such as droplets.

17. Acute Toxicity - symptoms Dermal - skin irritation, reddening, itching (irritación de la piel, picazón) Oral - nausea, muscle twitching, sweating, weakness (náusea, espasmos músculares, debilidad,transpiración) Inhalation - burning of throat and lungs, coughing (quemadura de los pulmones y la garganta, tos) Eye - temporary or permanent irritation or blindness (Ojo- irritación temporal o permanente o ceguera) The symptoms for acute pesticide poisoning vary with the type of pesticide and the method of exposure. Symptoms may appear immediately after exposure, or in a few hours. Some symptoms of acute pesticide poisoning are itching, nausea, weakness, burning lungs, and eye irritation.The symptoms for acute pesticide poisoning vary with the type of pesticide and the method of exposure. Symptoms may appear immediately after exposure, or in a few hours. Some symptoms of acute pesticide poisoning are itching, nausea, weakness, burning lungs, and eye irritation.

18. ChronicToxicity delayed - time lapse between exposure and effects (don’t appear immediately) Result of repeated exposure to same pesticide or one with similar mode of action or from a single exposure effects are not seen until much later. The long-term effects of pesticide exposure are referred to as chronic toxicity. These effects don’t appear immediately after exposure but can take months to years of repeated exposure to develop.The long-term effects of pesticide exposure are referred to as chronic toxicity. These effects don’t appear immediately after exposure but can take months to years of repeated exposure to develop.

19. Chronic toxicity can cause La toxicidad crónica puede causar cancer (cáncer) tumors (tumores) birth defects (defectos de nacimiento) infertility or sterility (esterilidad) impotence (impotencia) blood disorders (anemia, inability to clot) (alteraciones de la sangre) brain damage (lesión cerebral) paralysis (parálisis) emphysema, asthma (enfisema, asma) kidney problems (problemas de los riñónes) Illnesses caused by repeated pesticide exposure are cancer, birth defects, blood disorders, brain damage, and kidney problems.Illnesses caused by repeated pesticide exposure are cancer, birth defects, blood disorders, brain damage, and kidney problems.

20. REMEMBER: Low-level exposure to chemicals that have potential to cause long-term effects may not cause immediate injury, but repeated exposures can greatly increase the risk of chronic adverse effects. It is difficult to determine the delayed effects of pesticide exposure because low-level exposures may have no immediate injury, but repeated exposure increases the risk of health problems.It is difficult to determine the delayed effects of pesticide exposure because low-level exposures may have no immediate injury, but repeated exposure increases the risk of health problems.

21. AllergensAlérgenos anything that causes allergies (producto que causa alergias) need more than 1 exposure to product (requiere más de una exposición al producto) after the 1st exposure, the body develops a negative response (después de la 1a exposición, el cuerpo desarrolla una respuesta negativa) when exposed again, the body responds negatively = allergic reaction (cuando se expone otra vez, el cuerpo responde negativamente = la reacción alérgica) Pesticides can also cause allergies. Anything that causes an allergy is called an allergen. An allergy develops after more than 1 exposure. The first time you are exposed to the pesticide the body develops a negative response, such as a rash. When you are exposed to the pesticide for a 2nd time, the body displays a more severe negative response. You can see the rash. This response is called an allergic reaction.Pesticides can also cause allergies. Anything that causes an allergy is called an allergen. An allergy develops after more than 1 exposure. The first time you are exposed to the pesticide the body develops a negative response, such as a rash. When you are exposed to the pesticide for a 2nd time, the body displays a more severe negative response. You can see the rash. This response is called an allergic reaction.

22. Allergies can cause an asthma attack (un ataque de asma) shock (shock) rashes, blisters (irritación, ampollas) itchy, watery eyes (picazon, ojos llorosos) sneezing (estornudos) dermatitis Unlike acute or chronic toxicity, allergies are different for everyone. Allergies to pesticides, like those to flowers, milk and chocolate, affect some people and not others. Some common allergic reactions are an asthma attack, a rash, watery eyes, or contact dermatitis. Unlike acute or chronic toxicity, allergies are different for everyone. Allergies to pesticides, like those to flowers, milk and chocolate, affect some people and not others. Some common allergic reactions are an asthma attack, a rash, watery eyes, or contact dermatitis.

23. Why are some insecticides a health risk? Some insecticides interact with the nervous system. The nervous system of insects and humans have some common characteristics. Therefore, pesticides targeted at the insect nervous system can affect humans in the same way. Some insecticides interact with the nervous system. The nervous system of insects and humans have some common characteristics. Therefore, pesticides targeted at the insect nervous system can affect humans in the same way.

24. Nervous System Nerves communicate with electrical signals. (Los nervios se comunican por señales eléctricas.) Special proteins called “transmitters” carry the electrical signal across the gap between 2 nerves. (Las proteínas especiales llamadas transmisoras llevan la señal eléctrica entre 2 nervios.) Other proteins called enzymes, clean out the gap so the nerve is ready for the next signal (Otras proteines llamadas enzimas limpian el hueco para que el nervio esta disponible para la próxima señal.) Insects and humans have some of the same transmitters and enzymes. (Los insectos y los humanos tienen algunos de los mismos transmisores y enzimas.) The nervous system of insects and humans is made of special cells called nerves. Nerves communicate with each other, organs, and muscles by using electrical signals. Nerves send an electrical signal to a muscle. For the signal to reach the muscle it has to cross a gap. Special proteins called neurotransmitters carry it across the gap. Nerves act like spark plugs. They send an electrical signal to start an action. If something happens so that the nerve or spark plug ‘misfires,’ the muscle or engine does not work.The nervous system of insects and humans is made of special cells called nerves. Nerves communicate with each other, organs, and muscles by using electrical signals. Nerves send an electrical signal to a muscle. For the signal to reach the muscle it has to cross a gap. Special proteins called neurotransmitters carry it across the gap. Nerves act like spark plugs. They send an electrical signal to start an action. If something happens so that the nerve or spark plug ‘misfires,’ the muscle or engine does not work.

25. Organophosphates (OP) widespread use and high toxicity (uso extensivo y toxicidad alta) interferes with an important nervous system enzyme, cholinesterase (interfiere con la enzimas del sistema nervioso, colinesterasa) nerves continuously send messages to the muscles (los nervios mandan mensajes sin interrupción a los músculos) causing twitching, convulsions, seizures and death (causan movimiento espasmodico de los músculos, convulsiones, ataques, y la muerte) One of the most common and most toxic insecticides for both insects and humans are the organophosphates. OP’s interfere with the enzyme cholinesterase, which “cleans” the nerve gap between signals. OP’s stop cholinesterase from working, which allows the nerves to continuously ‘fire,’ send electrical signals. The body responds by twitching, convulsing,and seizing. High exposure can kill. One of the most common and most toxic insecticides for both insects and humans are the organophosphates. OP’s interfere with the enzyme cholinesterase, which “cleans” the nerve gap between signals. OP’s stop cholinesterase from working, which allows the nerves to continuously ‘fire,’ send electrical signals. The body responds by twitching, convulsing,and seizing. High exposure can kill.

26. Organophosphates (OP) Large exposures can cause acute poisoning. (Las exposiciones grandes pueden causar envenenamiento agudo.) Small exposures over time “add up” in the body leading to poisoning. (Las exposiciones pequeñas se acumulan con el tiempo en el cuerpo y resultan en envenenamiento.) OP’s can result in acute poisoning from a single large exposure or several small exposures over time can lead to chronic pesticide poisoning. OP’s can result in acute poisoning from a single large exposure or several small exposures over time can lead to chronic pesticide poisoning.

27. Carbamates also interferes with cholinesterase (interfieren con colinesterasa) broken down by the body (son descompuestos por el cuerpo) acute poisoning (el envenenamiento agudo) Like OP’s, carbamates interfere with the enzyme cholinesterase in the nervous system and can lead to acute poisoning. But, carbamates do not “add up” in the body. Eventually, the body will break down and expel the carbamates. Like OP’s, carbamates interfere with the enzyme cholinesterase in the nervous system and can lead to acute poisoning. But, carbamates do not “add up” in the body. Eventually, the body will break down and expel the carbamates.

28. Symptoms of OP and Carbamate poisoning Mild - headache, fatigue, dizziness (Media - dolor de cabeza, cansancio, vertiginoso) Moderate - muscle twitching, unable to walk, pinpoint pupils (Moderada - contracción muscular, no puede caminar, pupilas contraídas (de punto)) Severe - unconscious, seizures, death (Alta - inconsciente, ataques, muerte) Some symptoms of OP and/or carbamate poisoning are a mild poisoning - headache, fatigue, dizziness a moderate poisoning - muscle twitching, inability to walk, and pinpoint pupils a severe poisoning - unconscious, seizures or even death.Some symptoms of OP and/or carbamate poisoning are a mild poisoning - headache, fatigue, dizziness a moderate poisoning - muscle twitching, inability to walk, and pinpoint pupils a severe poisoning - unconscious, seizures or even death.

29. Cholinesterase Test Program Consult your doctor. (Consulte a su médico.) off season base line test (January or February) (prueba“fuera de temporada” para determinar un nivel base (enero o febrero)) periodic testing during the season (durante la temporada, hay que tener prubas periódicas) monitors changes in chlolinesterase levels To help avoid OP poisonings, have a cholinesterase blood test during the winter before you are exposed to pesticides. This establishes your base line level of cholinesterase. Then during the season, have periodic tests to see if the cholinesterase level has changed. Your doctor may then instruct you to not use OP or carbamates for a period of time to avoid a pesticide poisoning if your cholinesterase levels are very low. Consult your doctor for more information.To help avoid OP poisonings, have a cholinesterase blood test during the winter before you are exposed to pesticides. This establishes your base line level of cholinesterase. Then during the season, have periodic tests to see if the cholinesterase level has changed. Your doctor may then instruct you to not use OP or carbamates for a period of time to avoid a pesticide poisoning if your cholinesterase levels are very low. Consult your doctor for more information.

30. The signs and symptoms of a pesticide poisoning are similar to The signs and symptoms of pesticide poisoning are similar to those for heat stress. It is important to know the difference.The signs and symptoms of pesticide poisoning are similar to those for heat stress. It is important to know the difference.

31. Heat Stress symptoms exhaustion, headache, nausea, chills, dizzy (agotamiento, dolor de cabeza, náusea, escalofríos, mareos) thirsty and dry mouth (tener sed o boca seca) clammy skin or hot, dry skin (piel sudorosa o piel caliente y seca) heavy sweating or not sweating (mucha transpiración o falta de transpiración) confused, slurred speech, irrational (confución,tartamudeo, mal humor) death (muerte) The symptoms of heat stress are exhaustion, nausea, dizziness, clammy or hot, dry skin, heavy sweating or not sweating, and confused irrational behavior. The symptoms of heat stress are exhaustion, nausea, dizziness, clammy or hot, dry skin, heavy sweating or not sweating, and confused irrational behavior.

32. One way to determine if a persons behavior is the result of heat stress or a pesticide poisoning is to look at the victim’s eyes. The pupils of a heat stress victim are normal. But the pupils of an OP poison victim are constricted.One way to determine if a persons behavior is the result of heat stress or a pesticide poisoning is to look at the victim’s eyes. The pupils of a heat stress victim are normal. But the pupils of an OP poison victim are constricted.

33. Heat Stress move to shade (moverse a la sombra) rapidly cool victim - splash or sponge cool water on skin (enfriar inmediatamente la víctima - rocie o ponga con un trapo o esponja agua fría) drink as much water as possible (beber mucho agua) stay calm and call for help (mantenerse tranquilo y llamar por ayuda) If a person is suffering from heat stress move them to a shady, cooler area and splash or sponge cool, clean water on their skin. Drink as much water as possible and call for help.If a person is suffering from heat stress move them to a shady, cooler area and splash or sponge cool, clean water on their skin. Drink as much water as possible and call for help.

34. HAZARD = EXPOSURE x TOXICITY To review - The health risk of using a pesticide is a function of how poisonous the pesticide is and the amount of exposure. If exposure is low or “0”, then the hazard is also low or “0”. In other words, even if the toxicity of a pesticide is very high, hazard can be low if exposure is low. Exposure can be reduced by wearing the proper personal protective equipment, and following the label directions. To review - The health risk of using a pesticide is a function of how poisonous the pesticide is and the amount of exposure. If exposure is low or “0”, then the hazard is also low or “0”. In other words, even if the toxicity of a pesticide is very high, hazard can be low if exposure is low. Exposure can be reduced by wearing the proper personal protective equipment, and following the label directions.