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Emergency Information
Human Exposure | Spills | Incident
Reporting
Human Exposure
If someone has swallowed or inhaled a pesticide or gotten it in the eye
or on the skin:
- Call 911 if the person in unconscious, having trouble breathing, or
having convulsions.
- Check the label for directions on how to give first aid.
- Call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 for help with first
aid information.
- The
National Pesticide Information
Center (NPIC) (1-800-858-7378) also can provide information about
pesticide products and their toxicity.
- EPA's publication, Recognition
and Management of Pesticide Poisoning provides information about
symptoms caused by poisoning with specific pesticides and treatment
information.
General First Aid Guidelines
- Swallowed poison. Induce vomiting ONLY if emergency personnel
on the phone tell you to do so. It will depend on what the child
has swallowed; some petroleum products or caustic poisons will cause
more damage if the child is made to vomit. Always keep Syrup of Ipecac
on hand (1 ounce for each child in the household) to use to induce vomiting
if recommended by emergency personnel. Be sure the date is current.
- Poison in eye. Eye membranes absorb pesticides faster than
any other external part of the body; eye damage can occur in a few minutes
with some types of pesticides. If poison splashes into an eye, hold
the eyelid open and wash quickly and gently with clean running water
from the tap or a gentle stream from a hose for at least 15 minutes.
If possible, have someone else contact a Poison Control Center for you
while the victim is being treated. Do not use eye drops or chemicals
or drugs in the wash water.
- Poison on skin. If pesticide splashes on the skin, drench area
with water and remove contaminated clothing. Wash skin and hair thoroughly
with soap and water. Later, discard contaminated clothing or thoroughly
wash it separately from other laundry.
- Inhaled poison. Carry or drag victim to fresh air immediately.
If you think you need protection such as a respirator and one is not
available to you, call the Fire Department and wait for emergency equipment
before entering the area. Loosen victim's tight clothing. If the victim's
skin is blue or the victim has stopped breathing, give artificial respiration
(if you know how) and call rescue service for help. Open doors and windows
so no one else will be poisoned by fumes.
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