What kind of problems are associated with pesticide exposure?
A. There are both short-term, immediate (acute) and long-term (chronic) effects that have been linked with pesticide exposure. Acute Effects: The acute effects include irritation, contact dermatitis, rashes, blisters, skin bums, corrosive damage to the eyes causing scarring or blindness, mild, moderate and severe systemic poisoning. If you experience acute effects from exposure to pesticides, call a doctor immediately or contact a poison control center. Chronic Effects: Because you use a pesticide according to the directions and do not notice any acute effects does not mean long-term effects are not occurring. A false sense of security about toxic exposures can result because most home pesticides do not cause immediately observable symptoms. Unfortunately we also know much less about chronic effects of pesticides. Nervous System Damage We do know that pesticides can have an impact on the brain and central nervous system. These effects are particularly dangerous for children who have no
