Definition

Insecticide is a chemical that kills bugs. Insecticide poisoning occurs when someone swallows or breathes in this substance.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

See also: Paradichlorobenzene

Poisonous Ingredient

Most household bug sprays contain chemicals called pyrethrins. These chemicals are generally not harmful, but can cause life-threatening breathing problems if breathed in.

Industrial insecticides, often found in household garages and greenhouses, contain many dangerous substances, including:

• Carbamates
• Organophosphates
• Paradichlorobenzenes (mothballs)

Where Found

Various insecticides (bug killers)

Symptoms

Symptoms of pyrethrin poisoning:

• Lungs and airways
  • Breathing difficulty
• Nervous system
  • Coma
  • Convulsions
• Skin
  • Irritation
  • Redness or swelling

Symptoms of organophosphate or carbamate poisoning:

• Bladder and kidneys
  • Increased urination
• Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
  • Increased salivation (drooling)
  • Increased tearing
  • Small pupils
• Gastrointestinal
  • Abdominal cramps
  • Diarrhea
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
• Heart and blood
  • Slow heart rate
• Lungs and airways
  • Breathing difficulty
• Nervous system
  • Anxiety
  • Coma
  • Convulsions
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Weakness
• Skin
  • Blue lips and fingernails

Note: Serious poisoning can occur from just touching the organophosphate without gloves or without washing hands soon after exposure. Large amounts of the chemical soak through the skin unless you are protected. Life-threatening paralysis and death can occur very quickly.

Symptoms of paradichlorobenzene poisoning:

• Gastrointestinal
  • Abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
• Muscles
  • Muscle spasms

Note: Paradichlorobenzene mothballs are not very toxic. They have replaced the more toxic camphor and naphthalene types.

Home Treatment

Seek immediate medical help. Do NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by Poison Control or a health care professional.

If the chemical is on the skin or in the eyes, flush with lots of water for at least 15 minutes.

If the person breathed in the poison, immediately move him or her to fresh air.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

• Patient's age, weight, and condition
• Name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)
• Time it was swallowed
• Amount swallowed

Reviewer Info: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Greg Juhn, MTPW, David R. Eltz. Previously reviewed by Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke?s-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (2/7/2008)., 02/16/2009