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The properties that make insecticides deadly to insects can sometimes make them poisonous to humans. Most serious insecticide poisonings result from the organophosphate and carbamate types of insecticides, particularly when used in suicide attempts. These compounds are derived from nerve gases. Pyrethrins and pyrethroids, which are commonly used insecticides derived from flowers, usually are not poisonous to humans.
Many insecticides can cause poisoning after being swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. Some insecticides are odorless, thus the person is unaware of being exposed to them. Organophosphate and carbamate insecticides make certain nerves "fire" erratically, causing many organs to become overactive and eventually to stop functioning. Pyrethrins can occasionally cause allergic reactions. Pyrethroids rarely cause any problems.
Symptoms
Organophosphates and carbamates cause eye tearing, blurred vision, salivation, sweating, coughing, vomiting, and frequent bowel movements and urination. Breathing may become difficult, and muscles twitch and become weak. Rarely, shortness of breath or muscle weakness is fatal. Symptoms last hours to days after exposure to carbamates but can last for weeks after exposure to organophosphates.
Pyrethrins can cause sneezing, eye tearing, coughing, and occasional difficulty breathing. Serious symptoms rarely develop.
Diagnosis and
Treatment
The diagnosis of insecticide poisoning is based on the symptoms and on a description of the preceding events. Blood tests can confirm organophosphate or carbamate poisoning.
If an insecticide might have contacted the skin, clothing is removed and the skin is washed. Anyone with symptoms of organophosphate poisoning should see a doctor. Atropine, given intravenously, can relieve most of the symptoms. Pralidoxime, given intravenously, can speed up recovery of nerve function, eliminating the cause of the symptoms. Symptoms of carbamate poisoning are also relieved by atropine but usually not by pralidoxime. Symptoms of pyrethrin poisoning resolve without treatment.
Last full review/revision February 2003
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