Pesticide Poisoning
You should be aware of the early signs and symptoms of poisoning. It is important to remove the person from the source of exposure quickly. Remove contaminated clothing and wash off any chemical which has soaked through. You may save a life.
Symptoms that indicate the possibility of an accidental poisoning:
- General: Extreme weakness and fatigue
- Skin: Irritation, burning sensation, excessive perspiration
- Eyes: Itching, burning sensation, watering, difficult or blurred vision, narrowed or widened pupils
- Digestive system: Burning sensation in mouth and throat, excessive salivation, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea
- Nervous system: Headache, dizziness, mental confusion, restlessness, muscle twitching, staggering gait, slurred speech, fits, and unconsciousness
- Respiratory system: Cough, chest pain and tightness, difficulty with breathing, wheezing
Do’s and Don’t’s in case of poisoning
- Maintain adequate respiration. Practice artificial respiration (mouth-to-mouth breathing), if necessary
- Place the casualty on the side (lateral position) with the head bent backwards
- Keep the mouth open by placing a rolled-up cloth between the teeth
- If the person feels hot and sweats, refresh the person with cold water. If the person feels cold, cover with clothes or with a blanket
- Provoke vomiting when the patient is conscious and under medical control
- Make sure the victim is lying face down or kneeling forward while retching or vomiting
- Do not hold or restrain a patient who suffers convulsions
- Do not induce vomiting in case of ingestion, except when indicated on the label, and in case it is recommended
- Do not let the victim lie on his back because vomiting could enter the lungs and do more damage
- Do not let the victim allow the intoxicated person to smoke or drink, especially alcoholic beverages or milk
Further, it is important to study the reason or the cause for poisoning in order to prevent it from happening again. It is very important that the victim gets to the hospital without delay. Call the hospital emergency room or poison control center of the medical center so that they can prepare for the victim’s arrival.