Have you ever stored a pesticide or chemical in a soda or water bottle? Far too often children are poisoned by pesticides when they drink from a bottle or container they mistook for food or drink. According to the EPA, “50% of the 2 million poisoning incidents each year involve children younger than six years old, and 90 percent of these incidents occur in the home.” 1 Pesticide poisoning can cause serious health effects in children since their brain and nervous systems are still in early stages of development. The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that “high-dose pesticide exposure may result in immediate, devastating, even lethal consequences.” 2 SIGNS OF PESTICIDE EXPOSUREThe signs of pesticide poisoning may look like the flu. If your child shows any of the following signs after coming in contact with a pesticide, call the Poison Control Centers national hotline phone number, 1(800)222-1222, right away. 3
ROUTES OF EXPOSUREChildren and adolescents can be exposed to pesticides by directly touching them, touching something with pesticide residue on it, breathing it in, accidentally consuming it, receiving a hug or kiss from a loved one that has been handling pesticides, and from clothing or bedding that was washed with pesticide contaminated clothing. STAYING SAFE
A farm or ranch can be a wonderful place for children and adolescents to learn, live, work, and play. Make sure that it continues to be a safe environment for them. Teach children that “pesticides are poisonous” and are not to be touched. Remember, temporary storage of a pesticide in a soda bottle might be convenient for you, but it could mean life or death for your child. 4
CONTAINER & STORAGE TIPS
FIRST AID GUIDELINES AFTER EXPOSURE
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THE RESEARCH REPORT
Learn about past and current research projects at the SW Ag Center with these 5-minute research reports. Episode 1 with Michael Merten, PhD is available now on our social media pages. This episode highlights current research on preventing pesticide exposure in Latino adolescents through Promotora-based interventions. Click here to watch.
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