Posted on: January 25, 2019 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

If you have ever used a spray to kill weeds, obliterate a fire ant bed, or to save your plants from caterpillars, then you have been exposed to pesticides. The question is, did you use them safely?

Many pest-away products, while effective in their purpose, have shown to be dangerous to users. To fully understand these products and the hazard at hand, see below for more information.

What Are Pesticides?

As a basic definition, pesticides are products used to kill destructive insects, plants, animals, or fungi that are bothersome. Most of these products are chemical compositions created by scientists and then mass produced in factories.

Studies show that these products are used by a variety of consumers. Products like these are utilized in locations such as storerooms, gardens, shops, farms, sheds, houses, offices, and countless others. These commonplace products come in many forms such as powders, sprays, liquids and a granulated form.

There is also a great deal of variety in the types of pesticides. According to the NPIC, National Pesticides Information Center, there are over twenty-three different variations of pesticides. Each variation and brand have different compositions. The ingredients in some pesticides are more dangerous than others. To clarify, the active ingredients in pesticides are the ones we must use caution around.

Dangerous Compositions

According to research, the ingredients in pesticides that are active are chemicals that manage, kill, or deter the undesired pest.  For example, the chemicals in the popular herbicide, Roundup, are used to kill the weeds you spray.

Similar to other products, there are hundreds of different brands of pesticides that have the same compilation of active ingredients. While they have the same chemicals, the concentrations of each chemical can vary. These chemicals, while intended to eradicate a problem, can be perilous to a person’s health. Exposure to these products without proper precautions can lead to serious problems.

How Does Exposure Happen?

Since we use pesticides so prevalently, we can come into contact with these chemicals very easily. When consumers use these products at home, they can accidently eat something with harmful chemicals if they fail to wash an area that has been treated. Exposure also might occur if they touch a surface with the product on it before it dries.

While both of those happen often, the most prevalent form of exposure involves inhaling powder or the aerosols from the pesticides while in use. Also, for those with pets, our loyal companions can come into contact with the wet or freshly spread pesticides and spread it to many surfaces we touch regularly.

What to Do When Exposed?

It is possible to use these products safely to prevent ingestion or inhalation. The problems we encounter with pesticides come from prolonged misuse, skin exposure and ingestion of these chemicals. The only way to protect oneself is to wash immediately after using these products and wear protection while using. Protection can be a mask, turning away as you spray, or simply wearing long sleeves while applying the product.  

While exposure is preventable, some users do fall victim to the product dangers. Without proper protection, popular pesticides have been shown to cause an increased risk of cancer and many other illnesses. Luckily, those who fall ill are often eligible for legal compensation. Many companies have already faced legal persecution for their dangerous products as has been the case with the Roundup class action lawsuit.

In Conclusion

While pesticides are dangerous, we can use them safely for their desired purpose. To avoid health risks and having to take legal action, the NPIC recommends using precaution when using all chemical pesticides. The organization also offers an online list entailing low-risk, less-toxic pesticides for every kind of pest. So, cover up next time you treat for pests and research to find the safer alternatives available.

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