Pesticide Poisoning Registry - Recognizing and Reporting Pesticide-Related Illnesses and Injuries

Goals of Module

  • The goals of this pesticide training module are to:
    • Increase the medical community's awareness of the adverse health effects that may result from exposure to certain pesticides
    • Increase the medical community's awareness of the Pesticide Poisoning Registry and its reporting requirements

Objectives of Module

Upon completing this presentation, the participant should be able to:

  • Identify the routes and patterns of exposure that place individuals and the public at risk for exposure to pesticides
  • Discern the importance of taking an occupational and environmental exposure history for timely diagnosis of pesticide poisoning
  • Recognize the signs and symptoms of acute organophosphate, carbamate, and pyrethrins/pyrethroids poisoning
  • Understand how to make a report to the Registry

Definition of Pesticide

What is a Pesticide?

Pesticides are a category of chemicals that are used to kill or control insects, weeds, fungi, rodents and microbes. (Calvert et. al 2004)

Pesticides come in various forms, including sprays, liquids, powders, granules, baits and foggers (total release aerosols) (NYS Dept. of Health)

Definition of Exposure

When a pesticide comes into contact with a surface or an organism, that contact is called a

Routes of Pesticide Exposure

Pesticides can come into contact with the body in four main ways:

  • Oral (when you swallow a pesticide),
  • Inhalation (when you inhale a pesticide),
  • Ocular (when you get a pesticide in your eyes),
  • Dermal (when you get a pesticide on your skin).

Who is most at risk for pestidide exposure?

  • Individuals who prematurely enter a treated area outdoors or fumigated home
  • Employees that manufacture chemicals, workers involved in the formulation of pesticides
  • Those who load, mix, or apply pesticides
  • Children living where household cleaning products, repellents and rat/roach bait are kept within their reach
  • Tenants or homeowners who apply pesticides in their homes

How workers may be exposed

Workers may be exposed while performing their routine duties or they may experience an accidental exposure

Pesticide Exposures Impact Multiple Occupations

Workers in many different occupations can be exposed to pesticides

  • Agricultural Workers
  • Biologists and Chemists
  • Electrician
  • Emergency Responders
  • Food Service Workers
  • Groundskeepers and Gardeners
  • Housekeepers/Custodial Staff
  • Landscapers
  • Medical personnel
  • Migrant Farmworkers
  • Office Worker
  • Pesticide Control Operators
  • School teacher
  • Store clerks where pesticides are sold

This is only a sample list of occupations/industries that may encounter pesticides on the job

Pesticide Exposures in Occupational Settings

Workers may come into contact with pesticides in both agricultural and non-agricultural settings. Workers exposed in the workplace are not always directly involved in application. Some are exposed while conducting their routine job functions.

  • Airplanes
  • Commercial Kitchens
  • Farms
  • Food Processing Facility
  • Golf Course
  • Hospitals
  • Office/Business
  • Pesticide Manufacturing Facility
  • Retail chain stores
  • Roadways

Examples of Non-occupational exposures

Pesticide Exposures in Non-Occupational Settings

There is potential for people to be exposed to pesticides in their everyday lives

  • Business/Office
  • Day Care Center
  • Home (single/multi-unit home or mobile home)
  • Lawn and Garden store
  • Park and Recreational Locations
  • Retail and Service Establishments
  • Schools

Pesticide Exposures: Uncommon Ground

Pesticide exposures can happen in very uncommon ways and in unpredictable places. Being aware of the type of exposures, may help you readily recognize:

  1. pesticide exposures,
  2. symptoms usually associated with pesticide poisoning, and
  3. treatment options.

The following provides several case scenarios of people who have been exposed to pesticides under various circumstances.

Pesticide Exposures with Adverse Health Effects

  • A woman enters her office and sits at her desk. Her office was treated with a pesticide the previous day. She begins to smell fumes from the application. The smell made her nauseous and gave her a headache.
  • A man applies a flea control product all over his body. He did not read the label. The label states that the product is not to be used on humans. He developed hives, a rash and increased itchiness.
  • A plastic bottle of Diazinon fell to the floor and broke in a department store stockroom. The stock handler developed miosis, dizziness and a headache.
  • A custodian reached for a product off a shelf. The container was improperly stored and the content spilled on her face, causing facial swelling and dermatitis.
  • A journey lineman was performing routine duties on a train platform. A spray train came by and sprayed an herbicide out of both of its doors. The lineman's clothes were fully saturated. Multiple neurological, dermal, respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms were experienced.

Susceptibility to Pesticide Poisoning

An individual's response to a pesticide depends on a number of factors. Some examples include:

Classification of Pesticides

Commonly Reported Pesticide Classes: Carbamates, Organophosphates, Pyrethrins/Pyrethroids

The vast majority of common insecticides used by homeowners, commercial applicators (exterminators, lawn pesticide applicators, etc.), and farmers fall into one of the three classes:

  • Carbamates
  • Organophosphates
  • Pyrethrins/Pyrethroids

A brief discussion on the health effects of each of these follows

Acute Health Effects of Carbamates

Carbamates are generally responsible for causing symptoms related to the nervous system

  • Malaise, muscle weakness, dizziness, and sweating.
  • Headache, salivation, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
  • Miosis with blurred vision, incoordination, muscle twitching and slurred speech.
  • In more severe cases: Central nervous system depression (coma, seizures and hypotonicity), hypertension and cardiorespiratory depression. Also dyspnea, bronchospasms and bronchorrhea with eventual pulmonary edema.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of potential health effects. It is meant to provide a baseline for the type of symptoms that individuals who have been exposed to products containing these active ingredients may experience. Your patient may experience some or none of the above symptoms.

NOTE: Source: Pesticideinfo.org
See Recognition and Management of Pesticide Poisonings, 5th edition, U.S. EPA, Chapter 5, page 50 for treatment information

Acute Health Effects of Organophosphates

Organophosphates are generally responsible for causing symptoms related to the nervous system

  • Excessive salivation, sweating, rhinorrhea and tearing.
  • Muscle twitching, weakness, tremor, incoordination.
  • Headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea.
  • Respiratory depression, tightness in chest, wheezing, productive cough, fluid in lungs.
  • Pin-point pupils, sometimes with blurred or dark vision.
  • Severe cases: seizures, incontinence, respiratory depression, loss of consciousness.
  • Cholinesterase inhibition.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of potential health effects. It is meant to provide a baseline for the type of symptoms that individuals who have been exposed to products containing these active ingredients may experience. Your patient may experience some or none of the above symptoms.

NOTE: *Source: Pesticideinfo.org
See: Recognition and Management of Pesticide Poisonings, 5th edition, U.S. EPA, Chapter 4, page 40 for treatment information

Acute Health Effects of Pyrethrins/Pryethroids

Pyrethrins are natural pesticides. Pyrethroids are synthetic chemicals. Pyrethrums is a general name that covers both compounds. People exposed to these compounds may experience:

  • Irritation of skin and eyes
  • Irritability to sound and touch, abnormal facial sensation, sensation of prickling, tingling/creeping on skin and numbness
  • Headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, increased salivation, fatigue
  • In severe cases: fluid in lungs and muscle twitching may develop. Seizures may occur and are more common with more toxic cyano pyrethroids

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of potential health effects. It is meant to provide a baseline for the type of symptoms that individuals who have been exposed to products containing these active ingredients may experience. Your patient may experience some or none of the above symptoms.

NOTE: *Source: Pesticideinfo.org
See: Recognition and Management of Pesticide Poisonings, 5th edition, U.S. EPA, Chapter 8, page 88 for treatment information

Facts to Consider about Diagnosis of Pesticide Poisoning

  • Pesticide poisonings often go unrecognized because the patient may present with a non-specific illness that makes it difficult to give an accurate diagnosis
  • A proper occupational and exposure history may aid in diagnosing pesticide poisonings sooner. In addition, knowing that the patient has been exposed will help determine proper treatment and follow-up options
  • Taking an extensive exposure history may also lead to reduction or preventable pesticide exposures in the future

Occupational/Environmental Exposure History

During the physical exam, be sure to ask the patient to identify current or past exposures

  • What kind of work do you do?
  • Are pesticides or chemicals being used at home or work?
  • Do you get sick or dizzy after or while you are working?
  • Do you have any symptoms that seem to improve when you are away from work?
  • Have you been exposed to pesticides, chemicals, or solvents in the past?

This is only a sample list of questions and is not intended to provide an extensive exposure history questionnaire. Questions are also available in Spanish upon request.

Pesticide-Related Diagnoses as reported to the Registry

The following is a list of diagnoses that are reported to the Pesticide Poisoning Registry. Note: This is only a sample list of reported diagnoses. Based on exposure history, physical exam, signs reported, symptoms observed, relevant lab results, and professional medical judgement, you will be able to determine the appropriate diagnosis.

  • Bronchitis or Bronchitis w/Acute Asthma
  • Bronchospasms
  • Upper Respiratory Irritation

  • Gastritis
  • Gastroenteritis

  • Dizziness
  • Fasiculations
  • Headache

  • Dermatitis
  • Hives
  • Pruritis

  • Bradycardia
  • Tachycardia

  • Chemical Exposure
  • Chemical Inhalation

  • Corneal Abrasion
  • Chemical Conjunctivitis

  • Hematuria
  • Proteinuria

How are reports made to the Registry

Physicians and other medical staff are required to report suspected or confirmed pesticide poisoning by calling 1-800-322-6850. Registry staff will answer the phone during normal business hours of 8:30 AM-4:30 PM Mon.-Fri. If a case needs to be reported after normal business hours, please leave the patient's name, name of hospital, name of treating physician, and name and number of the person who will be holding the patient's chart. Someone from the Registry will return the call on the next business day.

What information should be reported to the Registry?

  • <1-800-322-6850
  • Patient Name, DOB,
  • Address, Phone #
  • Signs, Symptoms
  • Treating physician
  • Information on the event(s) leading to the patient's exposure (How patient was exposed)
  • Product information
  • EPA Reg. No.
  • Was the exposure work-related?

Why Should You Report?

  • Reporting suspected or confirmed pesticide poisoning is required under New York State Public Health Law.
  • Reporting enhances prevention of pesticide related illnesses. It helps NYSDOH identify problem pesticides, pesticide labels, and application methods that result in hazardous exposures. Regulatory agencies can use this information to correct problems. DOH can use this information to develop pesticide illness prevention programs.
  • Surveillance for occupational, residential and environmental pesticide-related illnesses and injuries is designed to protect individuals and communities by determining the magnitude and underlying causes of over-exposure to pesticides in the workplace, home, or environment.
  • We can make a difference in your patient's life. We can offer resources to help your patient learn about the safe use of pesticides and prevent recurrence of pesticide-related illness.

Public Health Benefits of Reporting Pesticide Poisoning

Based on previous reports, the Registry has developed educational material in response to these events to help prevent future exposures and adverse health effects.

Examples of Positive Public Health Impact

A number of pesticide exposures involving the misuse of total release foggers (i.e. "bug bombs") have been reported. Tenants generally apply too many foggers or set them off near an ignition source (e.g. stoves, heaters, and water heaters). This misuse has proved to be a fire and explosion hazard and has caused burns and injuries. The Registry staff responded to by creating a fact sheet for the safe use of roach bombs and foggers in an effort to reduce these type of events.

A product called AllerCareTM was recalled based on efforts of Registry staff, other states with pesticide surveillance programs and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Consumers were repeatedly reporting asthma attacks and other medical problems after using this product. The recall successfully removed a product from the market that caused negative health effects to consumers.

NYS Pesticide Poisoning Registry - Reporting Requirements - Who Should Report

  • Every physician, health facility and clinical laboratory in attendance on a person with confirmed or suspected pesticide poisoning or with any of the clinical laboratory results as described in Chapter 1 of the State Sanitary Code §22.12 shall report such occurrence to the State Commissioner of Health within 48 hours.
  • If a call is made after normal business hours, please leave a message with the patient's name, name of facility, and name of person who will be holding the chart. Staff will contact the facility on the following business day.

Reporting and HIPAA

While the information you send will contain confidential medical information, submission of the requested information will not violate the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). The Bureau's authority to access, inspect and copy the information is set forth in Public Health Law § 206(1)(d), 206 (1)(e), 206 (1)(j) and 225(5)(t) and N.Y.C.R.R. § 22.11 and 22.12. The information collected by the NYS Pesticide Poisoning Registry is for public health surveillance.

Pesticide Poisoning Resources Online

ATSDR ToxFAQsTM - is a series of summaries about hazardous substances developed by the ATSDR(Agency for Toxic Substances Disease Registry) Division of Toxicology. Information for this series is excerpted from the ATSDR Toxicological Profiles and Public Health Statements. Each fact sheet serves as a quick and easy to understand guide. Answers are provided to the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about exposure to hazardous substances found around hazardous waste sites and the effects of exposure on human health.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Biomonitoring Program - Provides an overview of Biomonitoring and the benefit of using this method to assess the amount of chemicals present in an individual's body fluids.

Information Center (NPIC) - NPIC (National Pesticide Information Center) provides objective, science-based information about pesticides and pesticide-related topics to enable people to make informed decisions about pesticides and their use. NPIC is a cooperative agreement between Oregon State University and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.Answers inquiries from the general public and from health care professionals about pesticides. 1-800-858-7378

Recognition and Management of Pesticide Poisonings U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - A resource guide designed to provide health hazards of pesticides.

Reducing Pesticide Exposure - A brochure developed by the New York State Department of Health that offers tips for the public to reduce their exposure to pesticides.

Obtaining Treatment Advice

Advice regarding treatment is available from a New York State Regional Poison Control Center. They can be reached by calling 1-800-222-1222

Pesticide Poisoning Registry Contact Information

  • If you wish to contact NYS DOH staff regarding the content of this presentation, please call toll free at 1-800-322-6850.
  • To report a poisoning, you may send a copy of the patient's medical record or lab results to this address:
    Attn:
    NYS DOH
    Pesticide Poisoning Registry Program Coordinator
    Flanigan Square
    547 River Street, Rm.# 230
    Troy, NY 12180
  • Medical records or lab results can be faxed to: NYS DOH Pesticide Poisoning Registry Program Coordinator at (518) 402-7909

Acknowledgements

The Pesticide Poisoning Registry wishes to acknowledge the following programs and individuals

  • National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
  • Other State-wide surveillance programs that provided support and information for this endeavor
  • The NYS DOH Bureau of Occupational Health staff for their contribution to the development of this effort
  • The physicians and other medical staff throughout New York State who are instrumental in the success of this program