Insecticide Poisoning

General Information on Insecticide Poisoning

The chemicals that make insecticides deadly to insects can sometimes make them poisonous to humans. Most serious poisonings are the result of organophosphate and carbamate types of insecticides. These compounds are derived from nerve gases. Pyrethrins and pyrethroids, also commonly used in insecticides, are derived from flowers and are not usually poisonous to humans. Insecticides can cause poisoning after being swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. Some insecticides have no odor, so a person may not know they are being exposed to them. Organophosphate and carbomate insecticides make certain nerves “fire” off , causing many organs to become overactive and eventually stop functioning. Pyrethrins occasionally cause an allergic reaction and pyrethroids rarely cause any problems in humans.

Symptoms of Insecticide Poisoning

Organophosphates and carbamates can cause:
Tearing of the eyes
Blurred vision
Sweating
Difficulty breathing
Shortness of breath
Coughing
Salivation
Vomiting
Frequent bowel movements
Urination
Muscle spasms
Muscle weakness

Pyrethrins can cause:
Tearing of the eyes
Sneezing
Coughing
Difficulty breathing (occasionally)

Treatments For Insecticide Poisoning

Doctors diagnose insecticide poisoning based on the symptoms and a description of the sequence of events. Both organophosphate and carbamate poisoning can be confirmed with a blood test. If an insecticide has made skin contact clothing should be removed and skin should be washed. In the case of organophosphate poisoning, doctors may give atropine intravenously to relieve the symptoms. pralidoxime, given intravenously, may help speed up the recovery of nerve function , eliminating the cause of symptoms. Symptoms of carbamate poisoning are also relieved by atropine. Symptoms of pyrethrin poisoning resolve without treatment. If you think you may have insecticide poisoning call the poison control center immediately or call your doctor.

Personal Experience

Insecticide Poisoning - personal experiences