Pesticide Poisoning
Be aware of the symptoms of pesticide poisoning. If you feel ill any time during or after your application, stop the application, and seek medical care.
Acute Poisoning
“Acute” poisoning or toxicity means the harmful effect that occurs within a short period of time after exposure (within a few hours or days). It can occur after a single exposure or from multiple doses received over the period of a day.
Symptoms of acute toxicity:
Some of the symptoms of acute toxicity resemble the flu, heat stress or hangover. Never attempt to diagnose yourself. Seek medical help right away if you feel these symptoms and you work with pesticides.
Chronic Poisoning
“Chronic” poisoning or toxicity refers to the harmful effects that develop over time from exposure. Chronic effects may be difficult to recognize as pesticide-related. Symptoms may not appear for many weeks, months or even years after exposure.
Know the symptoms of chronic toxicity:
- Skin irritation
- Loss of weight
- Tumours
- Organ damage
- Nerve damage
- Birth defects