How to protect yourself from pesticides

Pesticides have helped many farmers, gardeners and homeowners to prevent pests from destroying crops, gardens and fields. But pesticides are also harmful to humans and pets because they are poisonous.

Fortunately, there are clear and simple ways to help you protect yourself and your family from harmful pesticides.

What are pesticides?

Pesticides are any chemicals that help prevent pests (such as insects and animals) from destroying food, lawns, or gardens. There are many types of pesticides that are applied differently depending on the type or pest as well as the type of crop being grown.

Pesticides are not only used in business. If you use any chemicals to keep insects, animals, or microbes out of your lawn or garden, you are using a pesticide. The readily available pesticides are part of why it’s so important to know how to protect yourself from them.

What happens if you ingest pesticides?

There are three ways to introduce pesticides:

• By eating or drinking them
• By breathing them
• By absorbing them through the skin

Pesticide poisoning varies depending on how you were exposed and how much you consumed. However, some common pesticides poisoning symptoms include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Skin diagnosis
• Confusion and tremors
• Cough and difficulty breathing

Organic food and pesticides

One way to reduce your risk of pesticide exposure is to consider buying organic food. Organic foods are not necessarily pesticide-free, but they are regulated differently than non-organic foods. Most pesticides used in organic farming are natural pesticides (that is, they come from plants or animals). This is different from synthetic pesticides.

Organic foods worth buying

The best foods to buy organic are foods that are less likely to be exposed to and absorb pesticides. These fruits and vegetables have no protection from pesticides and include:

• Berries
• Green beans
• Spinach
• Apple

Some fruits and vegetables have strong protection against pesticides. This is because pesticides coat the hard exterior of the fruit or vegetable and do not penetrate inside. For this, buying inorganic can help you save money and offer minimal risk. Examples include:

Although organic fruits and vegetables carry less pesticide risk than non-organic varieties, eating fruits and vegetables is still better than avoiding themas long as you prepare them properly and take the right precautions.

Other Tips for Avoiding Pesticides

Because pesticides are so common, it is important to take steps to minimize exposure to pesticides. Some general tips include:

• Wash your fruits and vegetables. Washing removes any dirt or pesticides and should be done whether you buy organic or non-organic foods.
• Proper storage of chemicals. Do not store chemicals where they can be easily spilled or accidentally ingested by children or pets. Always replace lids and close containers.
• Follow directions when using chemicals. Do not use chemicals where they are not intended to be used. Be careful to make sure you are using the correct amount of chemical for your use case.
• Protect yourself when working with chemicals. Be sure to wear gloves, a mask, or other recommended protective equipment. This will help mitigate the consequences if you overspray or spray the wrong chemical.

What should I do if I suspect pesticide poisoning?

Accidental poisoning can occur, especially in young children. If you suspect that you or a family member has been poisoned by pesticides, call Poison Control immediately in 1-800-222-1222.