Pesticide is such a nasty word. It actually means a chemical used to kill harmful animals or plants. The problem is that the chemical doesn’t know which animal or plant is harmful. After all, the chemical was created to kill not to think. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has a policy statement and an accompanying technical report which highlights some of the major health concerns linked to pesticide exposure—particularly prenatal exposure. Pesticide exposure during pregnancy may lead to an increased risk of birth defects, low birth weight and fetal death. Exposure in childhood has been linked to attention and learning problems as well as cancer.
Exposure to pesticides do not lead to instant poisoning symptoms but studies suggest that exposure may affect healthy child development. Exposure to pesticides particularly effect children more than adults because their internal organs are developing and maturing. The other reason making children more at risk is how pesticides are absorbed. They are absorbed through the skin, by the mouth or by breathing sprays, dusts, or vapors. Young children are infamous for putting their hands everywhere and then putting them in their mouth.
In recent years some of the highly toxic pesticide ingredients have been removed from stores and there has been better packaging and education about their dangers and instructions for safety. Pesticides are still found in food, insect repellents, rodent control products, lawn and garden products and pet products.
Common household pesticides should be stored out of children’s reach and never should be placed in containers that could be mistaken for food or drink. Some products are so common it is easy to forget how dangerous they can be. Some of these common products are disinfectants and sanitizers including bleach, mold and mildew cleaners, roach sprays and baits, rat poisons, weed killers, flea and tick shampoo. It is a rare home that doesn’t have at least one of the above chemicals in their home.
Application of pesticides (poisons) is usually by spraying or dusting. Both the adult and the child can be poisoned by the spray but also by the contaminated grass, shoes, clothing, lawn furniture and toys. It is recommended that the label on the pesticides is read carefully.
Children should stay off the lawn after a chemical fertilizer has been applied until at least a quarter inch of rain or a good watering. If the parent works with pesticides they should try to change clothes before coming into the home.
Tips for reducing exposure to pesticide poisoning are available in healthychildren.org. First step is to reduce exposure to pesticides in food. Organic produce has been found to have less pesticides and a lower risk of exposure to drug-resistant bacteria. Wash and scrub fruits and veggies under running water which reduces trace of pesticides.
We all dislike the pests we live with. Whenever possible use chemical-free products or the least toxic method for common household/garden pests.
If you are concerned about coming in contact with a pesticide call Poison Control 1 800-222-1222.
by Sally Robinson, MD Clinical Professor
Keeping Kids Healthy
Published 5/2024