Insecticides are chemicals used to kill insects. Some insecticides are also dangerous to humans.
Many insecticides can cause poisoning after being swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin.
Symptoms may include eye tearing, coughing, heart problems, and breathing difficulties.
The diagnosis is based on symptoms, blood tests, and a description of events surrounding the poisoning.
Several drugs are effective in treating serious insecticide poisonings.
(See also Overview of Poisoning.)
The properties that make insecticides deadly to insects can sometimes make them poisonous to humans. Most serious insecticide poisonings result from the organophosphate and carbamate types of insecticides, particularly when used in suicide attempts and, when accidental, in occupational settings.
Carbamates include aldicarb, carbaryl, carbofuran, fenobucarb, and oxamyl.
Pyrethrins and pyrethroids, which are other commonly used insecticides, are derived from flowers and usually are not very poisonous to humans (they are poisonous to cats).
Many insecticides can cause poisoning after being swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. Some insecticides are odorless, thus the person is unaware of being exposed to them. Organophosphate and carbamate insecticides make certain nerves “fire” erratically, causing many organs to become overactive and eventually to stop functioning. Pyrethrins can occasionally cause allergic reactions. Pyrethroids rarely cause any problems.
Symptoms of Insecticide Poisoning
Organophosphates and carbamates cause eye tearing, blurred vision, salivation, sweating, coughing, vomiting, and frequent bowel movements and urination. Blood pressure can decrease. Heart rate can decrease and become erratic and seizures can occur. Breathing may become difficult, and muscles twitch and become weak. Rarely, shortness of breath or muscle weakness is fatal. Symptoms last hours to days after exposure to carbamates, but weakness can last for weeks after exposure to organophosphates.
Pyrethrins can cause sneezing, eye tearing, coughing, and occasional difficulty breathing. Severe symptoms rarely develop.
Diagnosis of Insecticide Poisoning
History of exposure to insecticides and characteristic symptoms
Blood tests
Treatment of Insecticide Poisoning
Removal of contaminated clothing and washing of skin
Treatments to support breathing and heart function
Anyone with symptoms of organophosphate poisoning should see a doctor. If an insecticide might have come into contact with the skin, clothing is removed and the skin is washed. Caregivers should avoid contaminating themselves while providing care.
More Information
The following is an English-language resource that may be useful. Please note that THE MANUAL is not responsible for the content of this resource.
American Association of Poison Control Centers: Represents the US-based poison centers that provide 24/7 free, confidential services through the Poison Help Line (1-800-222-1222)
