Pesticide Exposure, First Aid, and Emergency Response

How Pesticides Enter the Body

Pesticides can harm you only if they enter your body. There are four routes of entry: dermal (through the skin), inhalation (through the lungs), ocular (through the eyes), and oral (through the mouth). Understanding each route helps you choose the right PPE, recognize exposure quickly, and respond correctly.

Dermal exposure is the most common route for pesticide applicators. Skin absorbs many pesticide formulations, especially liquids and dusts. Absorption is faster on thin skin — the scalp, face, neck, and groin — and increases when skin is broken, wet with sweat, or heated. Always wear the gloves, coveralls, and boots listed on the pesticide label; never assume ordinary work clothes are enough.

Inhalation exposure occurs when you breathe vapors, aerosols, dust, or mist. Fine droplets from spray equipment stay airborne longer and penetrate deeper into the lungs than coarse droplets. Confined or poorly ventilated spaces increase risk dramatically. Wear the respirator listed on the label — the label is a legal document, and its PPE requirements are mandatory.

Ocular exposure is the most rapidly absorbed route relative to the surface area involved. Eyes lack a protective barrier layer, so pesticides reach the bloodstream quickly and can cause permanent eye damage within minutes. Safety glasses or goggles are required whenever there is a risk of splash or spray.

Oral exposure is less common on the job but happens when workers eat, drink, or smoke without washing hands, or when pesticides are improperly stored in food containers. Never eat, drink, chew gum, or use tobacco in pesticide work areas.

Recognizing Pesticide Poisoning

Symptoms vary by pesticide class, dose, and route of exposure. Learn the general progression from early to advanced signs.

Early (mild) signs may include headache, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, mild skin irritation, or excessive tearing of the eyes. These are easy to dismiss as heat stress or a virus — do not ignore them during or after pesticide work.

Advanced (severe) signs include vomiting, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, blurred vision, muscle twitching or weakness, loss of coordination, pinpoint pupils, seizures, or loss of consciousness. Organophosphate and carbamate insecticides affect the nervous system and can produce the SLUDGE pattern: Salivation, Lacrimation (tearing), Urination, Defecation, Gastrointestinal cramping, Emesis (vomiting). Pyrethroid exposure often causes skin tingling or burning at the contact point. Herbicides and fungicides vary widely — the label and SDS are your primary references for specific effects.

If you or a co-worker shows any symptoms during or after pesticide work, assume pesticide poisoning until proven otherwise.

First Aid by Route of Entry

Always call for emergency help and contact Poison Control if symptoms are present or exposure is known. The national Poison Control number is 1-800-222-1222 — post it at every worksite.

Dermal exposure: Remove contaminated clothing immediately, including boots. Wash exposed skin thoroughly with large amounts of water and soap for at least 15–20 minutes. Speed matters — the longer the pesticide stays on skin, the more absorbs.

Inhalation exposure: Move the person to fresh air immediately. If breathing has stopped or is labored, call 911 at once. Keep the person calm and warm. Do not re-enter a contaminated space without the correct respiratory protection — a rescuer without proper equipment becomes a second victim.

Ocular exposure: Flush eyes immediately at the eyewash station with a gentle, continuous stream of clean water for at least 15 minutes (some labels require longer — always follow the label). Hold eyelids open. Remove contact lenses if they can be removed without delay. After flushing, seek medical attention.

Oral exposure: Do not induce vomiting unless Poison Control or a physician specifically tells you to. Many pesticides cause additional harm if vomited. Rinse the mouth with water. Follow label first-aid directions and Poison Control instructions.

Calling Poison Control Effectively

When you call 1-800-222-1222, have the following ready:

• The pesticide product name and the EPA Registration Number from the label
• The active ingredient(s)
• How exposure occurred (route) and when
• The patient's age, weight, and current symptoms
• What first aid has already been given

Give information calmly and follow instructions exactly. Bring the pesticide label to the emergency room — physicians use it to guide treatment.

Eyewash Stations and Emergency Equipment

Eyewash stations must be reachable within 10 seconds of a potential eye hazard area (ANSI Z358.1 is the industry-referenced standard for emergency eyewash and shower equipment). Know the locations of the eyewash station, emergency shower, and first-aid kit before you begin any pesticide task — locate them on your site emergency map. Test portable eyewash bottles regularly; make sure they are filled and in date.

Documentation and Reporting

After any pesticide exposure incident, complete an incident report and notify your supervisor. State pesticide regulations may require reporting of poisoning incidents. Proper records protect workers and help prevent future incidents.