Best Practices in Dealing with Pesticide Poisoning “Steps to Take and Measures to Follow” 2024

Pesticide poisoning is a serious health concern that affects millions worldwide, particularly in agricultural communities. 1 This document outlines essential steps to take in case of pesticide poisoning and provides crucial measures to prevent such incidents

Steps to take in case of pesticide poisoning

If workers or individuals are exposed to a dose of pesticides, whether orally, through the skin, or by inhalation, and show symptoms of mild poisoning, the necessary steps should be taken to treat the cases of poisoning:

• Stop working in the field or site immediately and seek medical assistance by calling emergency services.
• Remove the affected person from the source of exposure and remove contaminated clothing while washing the body with a large amount of clean water.
• If the eyes are contaminated with pesticides, they should be washed with clean water and covered with sterile dressings until the affected person is taken to the hospital.
• If the pesticide is swallowed and reaches the stomach, the affected person should not be forced to vomit unless specified on the pesticide label, and the person should be kept in a comfortable position and covered to keep them warm until they reach the hospital.
• In the case of unconsciousness, make sure the affected person continues to breathe and their pulse continues. If breathing and pulse stop, artificial respiration should be performed, and the heart should be stimulated while ensuring that the person does not inhale or swallow the pesticide during resuscitation.
• Provide the doctor with the pesticide label and safety instructions for the pesticide the affected person was exposed to, or bring the pesticide container to the doctor if the label is not available.

Steps to take in case of suspected animal poisoning

If dead wild animals are found or there is an unusual death in bee colonies, or if there are signs of poisoning in farm animals that may have been exposed to pesticides due to toxic bait scattered in the field or areas contaminated by pesticide spills or other factors that could expose animals to pesticides, the following steps should be taken:

• Remove animals and bees from sources that could potentially be contaminated with pesticides, taking all necessary individual precautions for protection.
• Provide the veterinarian with all available information about the suspected pesticides causing poisoning cases, including the pesticide name, active ingredient, and toxicity. It is preferred to provide them with pesticide labels or containers.
• Wear protective clothing when dealing with cases of pesticide spills in fields and storage areas.

Immediate Actions in Case of Pesticide Poisoning

• Remove the victim from the contaminated area, Ensure the person is moved to fresh air immediately.
• Dial the local emergency number for professional medical help.  
  ‫1. First Aid for Pesticide Poisoning – Penn State Extension

  

  extension.psu.edu

   

• Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by medical personnel, This can worsen the situation in some cases.
• If trained, administer first aid as appropriate, such as artificial respiration or CPR.

Essential Measures to Prevent Pesticide Poisoning

• Read and follow pesticide labels carefully, Understand the hazards, precautions, and first aid instructions.
• Wear appropriate protective gear,This includes gloves, masks, and protective clothing when handling pesticides.  
  ‫1. Pesticide use and personal protective equipment – Department of Health

  

  www.health.vic.gov.au

   

• Store pesticides securely, Keep them out of reach of children and pets, in original containers, and in a locked area.
  ‫1. Storing Pesticides Safely | US EPA

  

  www.epa.gov

   

• Follow local regulations for disposal.
• Wash thoroughly after handling pesticides, Remove all traces of the pesticide from the skin and clothing.