Accidental Exposure to Pesticides in the HomeBenjamin G. MuñizSouthern Adventist University

History• Study in 1993 found that all nine homes in the evaluation were

positive for pesticides indoors. Most commonly found were chlordane, chlorpyrifos, dieldrin, heptachlor, and pentachlorophenol (Lewis).

• Organochlorine termiticides used heavily in Hawai’i between mid-1940s-late 1980s on wooden buildings for pest control (Hawai’i)

• A study in 1990 showed that normal indoor spraying of chlorpyrifos according to instructions would result in a dose at or above the level required for a toxicological response in infants (Fenske).

• Survey from June 1989 to March 1990 showed that 97.8% of families in Missouri used pesticides in their home at least once per year (Davis)

History contd.

(Lewis)

Regulation• In the US, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is largely

responsible for regulating the use of pesticides.

• Chlordane banned by EPA in 1987 (Gandhi).

• Chlorpyrifos banned for residential use in 2001 (EPA, 2002).

• Dieldrin banned in 1985 except for specific uses (EPA, 2011a).

• Heptachlor commercial sales banned in 1988 (EPA, 2014).

Modern Day• Buildings treated with pesticides in the past may pose a present risk

when being demolished (Hawai’i).

• The Hawai’i State Department of Health released a factsheet regarding organochlorine termiticides in land and buildings. Hazards posed, testing, preventing exposure, and history of common chemicals (Hawai’i).

• In-home use of insect-killing chemicals was associated with a 70% increased risk of Parkinson disease, compared with no use of pesticide (Stephenson).

Modern Day• Use of dangerous and illegal pesticides pose serious risk (EPA, 2011b).

• Overuse or incorrect use of pesticides in the home can cause buildup of chemicals and lead to significant health problems (EPA, 2011b).

Prevention• Avoid contact with areas that are known to be contaminated.• Plant grass to avoid soil erosion• Keep pets and small children away• Do not grow any edible plants nearby• Cover soil with a barrier (i.e., gravel, plastic, etc…)

• When working near contaminated soil• Wash hands and face thoroughly• Do not track outside soil into home• Wear protective clothing (i.e., gloves, long sleeves, pants, etc…)

(Hawai’i)

Prevention contd.• Use of non-chemical pest controls.

• Minimize need by preventing entry of pests.

• Use pesticides approved for general use.

• Strictly follow directions on label.

• Buy only as much as you need.

• Have sufficient ventilation when using indoors.

• If you hire a company make sure they know what they are doing.

(EPA, 2011b)

Tying it in: Toxicology Today (Chapter 3)• Increased use of pesticides has led to the establishment of

organizations tasked with controlling and regulating the use of chemicals.

• These organizations cannot monitor and control everything.

• Need for public awareness and education.

• Toxic exposures due to lack of awareness of possible dangers.

(Frank)

Works CitedDavis JR, Brownson RC, Garcia R. Family pesticide use in the home, garden, orchard, and yard. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol. 22(3):260-266. 1992.

EPA. Chlorpyrifos factsheet. 2002.http://www.epa.gov/oppsrrd1/REDs/ factsheets/chlorpyrifos_fs.htm

EPA. Aldrin/Dieldrin. 2011a. http://www.epa.gov/pbt/pubs/aldrin.htm

EPA. Heptachlor factsheet. 2014.http://www.epa.gov/osw/hazard/ wastemin/minimize/factshts/hepchl.pdf

Works CitedEPA. Illegal pesticide products. 2012.http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/ health/illegalproducts/

EPA. Indoor Air: Pesticides in the Home - Additional Information. 2011b. http://www.epa.gov/air/community/details/i-pesticides_addl_ info.html

Fenske RA, Black KG, Elkner KP, Lee C, Methner MM, Soto R. Potential exposure and health risks of infants following indoor residential pesticide applications. Am J Public Health. 80(6):689-93. 1990.

Frank, P., Ottoboni, M. 2011. The dose makes the poison: a plain language guide to toxicology. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.

Works CitedGandhi, R. Snedeker, S. Pesticides and breast cancer risk: chlordane. 1988 Retrieved April 29, 2014. http://envirocancer.cornell.edu /factsheet/ pesticide/fs11.chlordane.cfm

Leiss, J., Savitz, D. Home pesticide use and childhood cancer: a case-control study. American Journal of Public Health February. 85(2)249-252. 1995.

Lewis, R., Frontman R., Camann D. Evaluation of methods for monitoring the potential exposure of small children to pesticides in the

residential environment. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. July 3, 1993.

Works CitedHawai’i Department of Health. Past use of chlordane, dieldrin, and other

organochlorine pesticides for termite control in Hawai’i: safe management practices around treated foundations or during building demolition. (2011) http://eha-web.doh.hawaii.gov/cma/Downloads/HEER/termiticidefactsheetfinalsept2011.pdf

Stephenson, J. Exposure to home pesticides linked to Parkinson Disease. JAMA. 283(23): 3055-3056. 2000.