Insecticide

Definition

Poisoning caused by exposure to insecticide.

Poisonous Ingredient

Household bug sprays are fairly non-toxic chemicals called pyrethrins (although these may cause life-threatening asphyxiation if inhaled). Industrial insecticides (which may OFTEN be found in household garages and greenhouses) contain many extremely toxic, life-threatening materials, including:

• organophosphates
• carbamates
• paradichlorobenzenes

Many new and extremely toxic insecticides are continuously being developed.

Where Found

various insecticides

Symptoms

for organophosphate:

• body as a whole
  o weakness
  o sweating
  o convulsions
  o increased urination
  
• respiratory
  o difficulty breathing
  
• eyes, ears, nose, and throat
  o small pupils
  o increased tearing
  o increased salivation
  
• skin
  o blue lips and fingernails
  
• gastrointestinal
  o loss of appetite
  o abdominal cramps
  o diarrhea
  o nausea and/or vomiting
  
• nervous system
  o headache
  o anxiety
  o dizziness
  o coma
  

Note: Serious poisoning can occur from just handling the organophosphate without gloves or without washing hands soon after exposure. Significant amounts are absorbed through the skin unless proper precautions are observed. Life-threatening paralysis and death can occur very quickly.

for carbamate:

• body as a whole
  o weakness
  o sweating
  o convulsions
  o increased urination
  
• respiratory
  o difficulty breathing
  
• eyes, ears, nose, and throat
  o small pupils
  o increased tearing
  o increased salivation
  
• skin
  o blue lips and fingernails
  
• gastrointestinal
  o loss of appetite
  o abdominal cramps
  o diarrhea
  o nausea and/or vomiting
  
• nervous systemo headacheo anxietyo dizzinesso coma