As the weather heats up in Oklahoma, it’s time to start thinking about pest control and maintenance for your home and garden. But while you’re picking up those much-needed supplies from your local home improvement store, be sure to keep pesticide safety at the forefront of your mind. Many homeowners don’t realize just how many of the everyday products we use to keep those pesky pests at bay can actually pose serious health risks to our families. 

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, pesticides should only be used when other non-chemical methods are insufficient. When pesticides are deemed necessary, practicing safe pesticide storage is essential to preventing accidental pesticide poisoning. In this post from Tim Gilpin, Tulsa personal injury attorney, we’re breaking down the steps you should take to keep your family safe from pesticide injuries and poisoning and what to do next if you or a loved one has been injured due to pesticide-related chemical negligence.

The Risks of Residential Pesticide Poisoning

Pesticides are designed to be toxic — after all, they’re meant to take out bugs. Unfortunately, pesticide exposure can inadvertently be harmful to both animals and humans, especially when they’re not stored or handled correctly. 

Pesticide exposure can happen through a number of delivery methods including skin contact, inhalation, and accidental ingestion. The most common causes of pesticide injury in a residential setting may include: 

• Exposure from a nearby agricultural site 
• Drift from a neighbor’s yard
• Overapplication
• Overapplication by professionals
• Leaking containers in garages or under sinks

Symptoms of Pesticide Exposure in Children

Because they’re so much smaller and their bodies (and brains) are still developing, children can be especially vulnerable to pesticide exposure. They’re also much more likely than adults to get close to places where pesticides have recently been applied – places like the backyard or floor. 

For these reasons, it’s vital that parents catch signs of pesticide exposure as early as possible. 

Watch for these signs:

Acute Symptoms

• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Skin rashes
• Burning or stinging in the eyes

Long-Term Symptoms

• Developmental delays
• Respiratory issues

Severe Symptoms

• Muscle tremors
• Breathing difficulty
• Sudden exhaustion

If your child is showing these symptoms after a known or suspected exposure to pesticides, seek medical attention immediately and be sure to document all chemical exposures.

Common Household Pesticides

Your home may contain more pesticides than you realize. According to the National Pesticide Information Center, all of these common household products are common sources of household pesticides:

• Roach sprays
• Roach baits
• DEET and other insect repellents
• Flea and tick shampoos
• Flea powders and dips

Safe Pest Control and Prevention

The EPA recommends using pesticides as a last line of defense against bug infestations after trying safer alternatives like these:

• Sealing cracks around your home
• Eliminating potential pest food sources through storage and cleaning
• Repairing leaky pipes
• Removing litter and plant debris from your property
• Using natural pesticides based on the pest’s biology and life cycle

If you must use pesticides, the EPA recommends storing them up high where they’re out of reach of children and pets, locking them if possible.

Read your pesticide labels carefully before purchasing and using, and consider purchasing pesticides deemed safe for pets after drying. The EPA website also maintains a searchable directory of Safer Choice pesticides and other household products.

Finally, teach your children that pesticides and other household chemicals are poison and not to be touched.

Household Chemical Liability: When to Call a Lawyer

If you or someone you love suffers a pesticide exposure because your landlord, property manager, or professional pest control company failed to follow safety protocols, they may be held liable for the resulting harm. 

Household chemical liability may include:

• Inadequate warnings about a scheduled spraying or pesticide application
• Use of inappropriate chemicals in a residential area
• Negligent storage of pesticides

Proving a claim for environmental illness requires a deep understanding of state and federal regulations. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you gather the necessary evidence, from soil samples to medical records, to build a strong case.

Contact Tim Gilpin, Oklahoma Personal Injury Attorney

No family should have to suffer long-term health consequences because someone else’s avoidable mistake led to an accidental chemical exposure. If you believe your family’s health has been compromised by a third party’s negligence, Tim Gilpin is here to help.

As an experienced Tulsa personal injury attorney, Tim provides the representation needed to hold negligent parties accountable and secure the compensation your family deserves for medical bills and pain and suffering. To protect your rights and health if you or a loved one has been injured, contact our office today for a consultation regarding pesticide-related personal injury claims.