You must research the different first aid methods so you’ll know what to do if someone is poisoned by a pesticide. These chemicals can enter your body in several ways, and they will have negative side effects.
This article will guide you about the various ways to treat pesticide poisoning. Read on for more helpful information.
Are Pesticides Dangerous?
Pesticides are strong chemicals that target small plants or animals. These chemicals can be harmful to humans if you ingest them.
Pesticides can enter your body through your eyes, nose, mouth, or even the skin on your arms. Small children usually have a severe reaction to pesticides; that’s why it’s essential to be careful when you’re handling them.
You must take the necessary precautions after pest control, even for outdoor treatments, to avoid being poisoned. Here is a guide on what to do after pest control sprays outside.
What will happen if you’re exposed to pesticides?
Pesticides have varying effects on your body, depending on the kind and amount you take in. There are three categories for pesticide exposure effects.
1. Allergic effect
This symptom is an instant effect that people feel after exposure to pesticides. People will feel effects like nose irritation, asthma, and eye irritation.
Not everyone develops symptoms right away, it depends on the chemical exposure and the person’s immunity.
2. Acute effects
These effects can manifest 24 hours after you’ve been exposed to the chemicals. You must visit a doctor once you experience acute effects to get a proper diagnosis.
This poisoning could be deadly, so you must act quickly once you feel symptoms. It targets the usual areas; eyes, skin, mouth, and nose.
3. Delayed effects
These are the effects that persist over time. These complications include reproductive, developmental, and systemic side effects.
Harmful Pesticides
There are various types of pesticides, and some are more toxic than others.
Is pest control safe for humans? Read this guide to find out!
Some chemicals have harmful effects if they’re ingested. Look out for these:
1. Soil fumigants
This pesticide kills insects, weeds, and bacteria. However, the fumes from this chemical can affect the people working around it.
2. Pyrethroids
This pesticide uses synthetic chemicals, so they can be toxic if you accidentally ingest them.
3. Carbamates and organophosphates
These chemicals are the number one culprit of acute poisoning. These substances can affect your entire nervous system.
What First Aid Supplies Do You Need?
You must be ready to perform sufficient first aid care to the poison victim, so it’s helpful to keep some supplies handy at home.
These materials can help you if you’ve been exposed to pesticides:
- Clean water
- Eyewash bottle
- Activated charcoal to neutralize poison
- Syrup of Ipecac to induce vomiting
- Soap
- Disposable towels
- A change of clothes
You must also have a list of emergency numbers you can use if you need professional medical care. These items will only help alleviate your symptoms, it’s always best to get help from professionals from pesticide poisoning.
First Aid Guidelines For Pesticide Poisoning
Poison from pesticides can enter your body in several ways. You must learn how to treat someone who has been exposed to these chemicals to remove the poison from their body.
Method #1. Swallowed chemicals
This situation is common with children since they like to put everything in their mouths. However, several adults suffer through this as well.
Step #1. Contact emergency services
Swallowing poison gives it direct access to your internal organs. Call an emergency number to dispatch first responders and guide you on how to keep your loved one stable.
Step #2. Induce vomiting
You must only perform this step if the emergency personnel tells you to. Make sure the patient is stable and give them syrup of Ipecac.
Method #2. Poison on the eye
Your eye membranes can absorb poison, so be careful around chemicals to avoid damaging your eye.
Step #1. Wash your eyelid
Hold your eyelid open and splash it with water for 15 minutes. Do not use eye drops or any other chemical.
Step #2. Call emergency services
These people will bring you to the hospital for more intensive treatment.
Method #3. Poison on your skin
Poison can enter through your skin by direct contact. That’s why you must always wear protective equipment when you’re handling the chemicals.
Step #1. Remove all clothing
Discard any material that might have the poison traces.
Step #2. Wash with water
Wash your hair and body with soap and water to remove the poison.
Method #4. Poison inhaled
Fumes from leaks or overflow can severely damage your lungs. You must work quickly to prevent this.
Step #1. Give the victim fresh air
Open all the doors and windows and make sure there is ample ventilation. Loosen the patient’s clothing to allow better breathing.
If the victim starts turning blue you might need to perform artificial respiration. If you don’t know how, call an emergency hotline right away.
Step #2. Call emergency services
It’s nice to help as much as possible, but sometimes only the professionals can do a proper job. Just remember to keep the victim stable until first responders arrive.
Conclusion
You can’t avoid accidents when you’re working with chemicals; that’s why you must be ready to perform poison first aid on a victim.
You can help save a life when you know what to do if someone is poisoned by a pesticide. You can keep them stable until professionals arrive to help.