Health Effects of Common Home, Lawn, and Garden Pesticides
Section snippets
Case study
On the day her house was sprayed, a full-term, previously healthy 4-month-old girl became irritable and congested in her upper airway with a thick, whitish nasal discharge. Over the next several days these symptoms persisted; she began to refuse food, she developed a fever and more frequent bowel movements, and her sleep decreased. On day 6 she was brought to the emergency department, received intravenous fluids for hypernatremia and dehydration, and was discharged with a diagnosis of upper
Recognizing pesticide poisonings in children
Acute intoxications in children frequently are misdiagnosed, despite being linked closely in time with generally high exposures [9], [10]. Associating low-level exposures with health consequences that manifest days, weeks, months, or years later is particularly challenging. The pediatrician plays a critical role in recognizing and preventing both poisonings and chronic health effects. Without recognition, opportunities to remove the child and other affected individuals from exposure are missed,
Occupational exposures to parent and child
Other important exposure scenarios for children include their own or parent's occupation. Adolescents may find summer employment in landscaping, pool care, or agricultural work. Although this work may be temporary or part-time in nature, adolescents may be less likely to appreciate or be informed about the risk of using chemicals in their work. In most states, a person under age 18 years cannot become a licensed pesticide applicator, although unlicensed pesticide application is common, and
Chronic health concerns with pesticide exposures
Fortunately, acute poisoning events in children are relatively rare. The health implications of exposures encountered routinely at low levels have become an increasing focus of concern for scientists, regulators, and communities [31], [32]. Although a pediatrician may never diagnose an acute poisoning, most will be relied upon as a trusted source for questions about potential long-term or subtle health effects from pesticide residues on food, in water, or used in homes or schools.
Responding to
Addressing common questions in primary care pediatrics
The pediatrician may encounter a wide range of questions from patients regarding exposures to pesticides and health risks. Examples of the nature of questions might include.
Will my daughter's attention deficit hyperactivity disorder be worsened if we use pesticides on our lawn?
Is it because my husband is a pesticide applicator that my daughter has a heart defect?
Should I buy organic food for my children?
Is my exterminator right that my 2-year-old is at no risk from flea bombing our house if I
Summary
Pediatricians are a trusted source of information, can positively influence parental behavior, and can provide important anticipatory guidance regarding pesticide exposure. Both the potential for acute poisoning and concern about effects on chronic health make it essential that the pediatric care provider maintain a high index of suspicion and offer informed guidance on reduction of pesticide exposure. Anticipatory guidance to prevent direct access by children to pesticides and also to reduce
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