POISONING EMERGENCIES ON THE FARM

1. POISONING EMERGENCIES ON THE FARM TRI-CO. YOUNG FARMERS FEBRUARY 26, 2002 By Joey Wells Tri-County Young Farmers Modified by Georgia Agricultural Education Curriculum Office July, 2002

2. WHAT ARE POISONS? Poisons are substances that if inhaled, absorbed or injected, harm the structures or functions of the body. Some types of poisons may act immediately on the body, others may act more slowly. Some poisons, such as cyanide, are so toxic they only require a very small amount to be harmful, while others, such as garden sprays, are cumulative and require exposure over a long period to achieve the same level of toxicity. Some may be carcinogenic, and cause fatal cancers, some years after exposure.

3. HOW COMMON IS POISONING IN THE U.S.? • More than 1.5 million calls to poison control centers each year • More than ¾ involve children under 5 yrs. • Most poisonings are accidental • Substantial number are suicide attempts • Child proof tops have reduced child poisonings dramatically

4. HOW COMMON IS POISONING IN THE U.S.? • The aged are the second most commonly affected group • Failing eyesight • Using multiple drugs • Confusion and difficulty in remembering if medications have been taken • Drug overdoses by drug abusers • Mixing drugs and alcohol • Using several medications together

5. SOURCES OF POISONING IN THE HOME AND ON THE FARM

6. ACIDS & ALKALIS • Household cleaners frequently contain caustic acids and alkalis • Lye, bleach, cleaners for toilet bowls, ovens, and drains • Tempt children with colorful bottles and cans • Often stored in beverage containers and milk jugs.

8. PETROLEUM PRODUCTS • GASOLINE, KEROSENE, BENZENE, MINERAL SPIRITS, FURNITURE POLISHES, PAINT THINNERS, AND OTHER SOLVENTS • OFTEN INHALED OR SNIFFED BY YOUNG PEOPLE OR DRUG USERS • Correction fluid, glue, carbon tetrachloride • Causes cardio respiratory problems and liver damage

9. INDUSTRIAL POISONS • Poisonings from lead, mercury, and other heavy metals • Lead poisoning from eating flaking paint and drinking water contaminated by lead from pipes and brass fixtures • Industrial wastes near factories

10. MEDICATIONS AS POISONS • Almost any medication taken in a large quantity can be toxic • Aspirin remains one of the leading causes of accidental poisoning in young children • Iron pills and multivitamins containing iron are a major source of childhood poisoning • Tylenol, Anacin-3, etc. and other over the counter drugs can cause coma and death

11. POISONOUS PLANTS • There are more than 700 plant species in the United States that can cause poisoning if a part of them is swallowed • May be the entire plant or parts that are poisonous • bulbs - daffodils • seeds or berries - mistletoe, apple or apricot seeds • flowers - jasmine • leaves - tomato

12. POISONOUS PLANTS • Plants are second only to medicines as the cause of serious poisoning in children < 5 • Be careful with herbs and herb medicines • Should be treated like any medication • Be familiar with its affects and check with a doctor • Water hemlock looks like parsley but one bite can be fatal

13. COMMON POISONOUS PLANTS

14. PESTICIDE POISONING • Accidental exposure or overexposure to pesticides can have serious implications • Most pesticides can be used with relatively little risk ( following label directions) but used in a wrong manner, some are extremely toxic

15. MANAGING YOUR RISK • Wear protective clothing and equipment • PPE • Risk = Toxicity X Exposure • No matter how toxic a product is if the exposure is kept low, the risk can be held at an acceptable level

16. SIGNAL WORDS • Nearly all pesticides are toxic. They differ only in the degree of toxicity. • A pesticide label will have one of three signal words that indicates the degree of toxicity.

17. DANGER • Highly toxic • Oral Lethal Dose for a 150 lb. Human • Few drops to 1 teaspoon

18. WARNING • Moderately toxic • Oral Lethal Dose (150 lb person) • 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon

19. CAUTION • Low toxicity • Oral Lethal Dose (150 lb. Person) • 1 ounce to more than a pint

20. ROUTES OF EXPOSURE • Pesticides can enter the body in three ways • Dermally – Through the skin or eyes • Orally – Through the mouth • Inhalation – By breathing into the lungs

22. DERMAL EXPOSURE • Compared to the forearm with an absorption rate of 1.0 • Scalp = 3.7 • Ear canal = 5.4 • Forehead = 4.2 • Genital area = 11.8 • Palm = 1.3, Ball of foot = 1.6 • Abdomen = 2.1

23. ORAL EXPOSURE • Most common oral exposure is from placing pesticides into another container • Children under 10 are victims of at least ½ of the accidental pesticide deaths in the United States

24. RESPIRATORY EXPOSURE • Rapid absorption of particles by the lungs into the bloodstream • Vapors and very small particles pose the most serious risks • Ultra low volume (ULV) or fogging equipment

25. PESTICIDE TOXICITY • Determining toxicity to humans is not easy • Usually rats or other animals are used • Not an exact science • Only used as guidelines

26. MEASURING TOXICITY • The measuring method, LD50 describes the dose of a pesticide that will kill half of a group of test animals from a single exposure by either the dermal, oral, or inhalation routes. • A pesticide with a lower LD50 is more toxic than one with a higher number • Fumigants are designated LC50 (Lethal concentration, 50 percent)

27. ACUTE TOXICITY • Refers to the effects from a single exposure or repeated exposure over a short period of time • Could be an accident during mixing or applying pesticides

28. CHRONIC TOXICITY • Refers to the effects of long-term or repeated lower level exposures to a toxic substance • Effects do not appear immediately and may take years to produce signs and symptoms

29. EXAMPLES OF CHRONIC POISONING • Carcinogenicity – ability to produce cancer or to assist carcinogenic chemicals • Mutagenicity – ability to cause genetic changes • Oncogenicity – ability to produce tumor growth • Liver damage – death of liver cells, jaundice, fibrosis, and cirrhosis

30. EXAMPLES OF CHRONIC POISONING • Reproductive disorders – sterility and miscarriage • Nerve damage – improper nerve function • Allergenic sensitization – development of allergies to pesticides

31. RECOGNIZING SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF POISONING

32. POISONING SIGNS • Things that can be seen by others • Vomiting • Sweating • Pin point pupils • Burns around the mouth • Pale, cool, clammy skin

33. POISONING SYMPTOMS • Any functional changes in normal condition which can be described by the victim • Nausea, stomach pains or cramps • Headache • Weakness • Dizziness and/or blurred vision • Burning pain in the mouth or throat • Ringing in the ears

34. HANDLING POISONING EMERGENCIES

35. FIRST AID FOR POISONING EMERGENCIES • Follow same guidelines for most injuries • Check for vital signs – breathing and pulse – if absent call the local EMS or 911, then perform CPR • If there are other obvious symptoms of serious poisoning, call the EMS or 911. • If the person is conscious, call the poison control center and follow instructions • If unable to reach poison control or hospital for advice, transport victim to nearest emergency service

36. HANDLING POISONING EMERGENCIES • Proper management of poisoning requires expert guidance • Call the local Poison Control Center or Hospital

37. GEORGIA POISON CONTROL CENTERS

38. WHEN CALLING THE POISON CONTROL CENTER • Have as much information as possible – your name, location, and phone number • Give the name of the poisoning substance – the amount and time of ingestion, also the trade name and ingredients if possible • Describe the state of the poisoning victim – conscious? Signs and symptoms- respiration, mental status, etc

39. POISONING EMERGENCIES • Households, especially those with children, should have on hand syrup of ipecac to induce vomiting when it is recommended

40. IF CAN’T GET ADVICE AND ARE FAR FROM A HOSPITAL • Determine the nature of the substance ingested – look for burns from acids or alkalis, smell breath for petroleum products • Dilute the poison by administrating water or milk if the person is conscious and can swallow. Water is used for acids and alkali. • If the substance was medicine, plant material, pesticide, or other systemic substance ingested within the previous hour – induce vomiting.

41. TO INDUCE VOMITING • Give 1 to 2 tablespoons of ipecac syrup (see label instructions) followed by ½ to 2 glasses of water. • If the first dose does not work, repeat after 20 minutes • Vomiting can also be induced by inserting a spoon or finger at the back of the throat. • Collect a specimen for analysis

42. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING IF: • The nature of the substance is unknown • A corrosive substance (house cleaner, lye, bleach, or other acid or alkali product) is suspected. • A petroleum product (benzene, kerosene, gasoline, turpentine, paint thinner, or other hydrocarbon) is suspected. Can be inhaled into the lungs causing chemical pneumonia • The person is having seizures, is unconscious, or is losing consciousness • The victim is less than 1 year of age

43. PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN A CURE • Follow labeled instructions • Keep medications and other harmful substances out of the reach of children • Dispose of all poisonous substances and containers correctly • Never place poisonous substances in other containers • Medicines used only by those prescribed

44. OTHER FORMS OF POISONING ON THE FARM

45. BEES, WASPS, AND ANTS • Symptoms – redness, swelling, itching, and pain at the site • Allergic reaction – Facial swelling rash, hives, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting • First Aid – wash area with soap and water, apply a cool compress, elevate area on a pillow, make a paste of baking soda and water for itching ***Get immediate medical attention if anaphylactic reaction occurs

46. BLACK WIDOW SPIDER • Symptoms – Sharp stabbing pain, muscle pain in the abdomen, back, and limbs begins within two hours and may become severe. Pain may spread to other parts of the body and increase in severity for up to 24 hours. Hypertension, nausea, and sweating • First Aid – Wash, apply cool compress, elevate, and call Poison Control Center. Make sure tetanus booster is up-to-date.

47. BROWN RECLUSE SPIDER

48. BROWN RECLUSE SPIDER • Symptoms – Small red spot at site of bite within 2 to 10 hours. Flu-like symptoms may develop within 12 - 24 hours. Site may develop into a bulls eye lesion with a blister in the center. Rash is possible • First Aid – Wash, cool compress, elevate, seek medical attention.

49. BROWN RECLUSE BITE

50. POISON IVY, POISON OAK, POISON SUMAC • 50% – 75% of people are allergic • Sensitive to urushiol oil found in roots, stems, leaves, and fruit. Released when plant is damaged or bruised. If not washed oil may stay potent for years. • Symptoms – intense itchy red rash(24-72 hrs.) Blisters may develop (will not infect others)