Pesticide Exposure Types

Humans can be harmed by pesticides in two ways - poisoning and injury. Pesticide poisoning is caused by pesticides that harm internal organs or other bodily systems. Pesticide-related injuries are usually caused by pesticides that are external irritants. In one study of acute pesticide poisonings, researchers identified three factors that most often contributed to pesticide exposure: off-target drift, early reentry of workers into a treated area, and use of a pesticide in conflict with labeling instructions.

A person can be exposed to a pesticide in the following ways:

• Swallowing it - for instance, by eating, drinking, chewing gum, smoking, using the restroom, or applying makeup after coming into contact with pesticides or pesticide residues without first disinfecting the hands and face
• Breathing it - for instance, by inhaling vapors that remain present shortly after someone else has applied a pesticide
• Getting it into the eyes - for instance, by rubbing the eyes or face with hands contaminated by traces of pesticide chemicals
• Getting it onto the skin - for instance, by accidentally splashing or spraying pesticides on unprotected skin or eyes, or touching pesticide-covered surfaces

More than 95 percent of all pesticide exposures come from skin contact - primarily on the hands and forearms. Workers can minimize their exposure - and thus reduce the hazard - by wearing protective work clothing, washing thoroughly after working in pesticide-treated areas, attending pesticide trainings, and adhering to all oral warnings and posted signs.

To learn more about Pesticide Worker Safety visit our Pesticide Worker Safety Online Training web page.