POISONING EMERGENCIES ON THE FARM

TRI-CO. YOUNG FARMERS

FEBRUARY 26, 2002By Joey Wells

Tri-County Young FarmersModified by Georgia Agricultural Education Curriculum Office

July, 2002

WHAT ARE POISONS?

Poisons are substances that if inhaled, absorbed or injected, harm the structures or functions of the body. Some types of poisons may act immediately on the body, others may act more slowly. Some poisons, such as cyanide, are so toxic they only require a very small amount to be harmful, while others, such as garden sprays, are cumulative and require exposure over a long period to achieve the same level of toxicity. Some may be carcinogenic, and cause fatal cancers, some years after exposure.

HOW COMMON IS POISONING IN THE U.S.?

More than 1.5 million calls to poison control centers each year More than ¾ involve children under 5 yrs.

Most poisonings are accidental Substantial number are suicide attempts

Child proof tops have reduced child poisonings dramatically

HOW COMMON IS POISONING IN THE U.S.?

The aged are the second most commonly affected group

Failing eyesight Using multiple drugs Confusion and difficulty in remembering if medications

have been takenDrug overdoses by drug abusersMixing drugs and alcoholUsing several medications together

SOURCES OF POISONING IN THE HOME AND ON THE

FARM

ACIDS & ALKALIS

Household cleaners frequently contain caustic acids and alkalis Lye, bleach, cleaners for toilet bowls, ovens,

and drains

Tempt children with colorful bottles and cans

Often stored in beverage containers and milk jugs.

PETROLEUM PRODUCTS

GASOLINE, KEROSENE, BENZENE, MINERAL SPIRITS, FURNITURE POLISHES, PAINT THINNERS, AND OTHER SOLVENTS

OFTEN INHALED OR SNIFFED BY YOUNG PEOPLE OR DRUG USERS

Correction fluid, glue, carbon tetrachloride Causes cardio respiratory problems and liver damage

INDUSTRIAL POISONS

Poisonings from lead, mercury, and other heavy metals Lead poisoning from eating flaking paint and

drinking water contaminated by lead from pipes and brass fixtures

Industrial wastes near factories

MEDICATIONS AS POISONS

Almost any medication taken in a large quantity can be toxic Aspirin remains one of the leading causes of

accidental poisoning in young children Iron pills and multivitamins containing iron are

a major source of childhood poisoning Tylenol, Anacin-3, etc. and other over the

counter drugs can cause coma and death

POISONOUS PLANTS

There are more than 700 plant species in the United States that can cause poisoning if a part of them is swallowed May be the entire plant or parts that are

poisonous• bulbs - daffodils

• seeds or berries - mistletoe, apple or apricot seeds

• flowers - jasmine

• leaves - tomato

POISONOUS PLANTS

Plants are second only to medicines as the cause of serious poisoning in children < 5

Be careful with herbs and herb medicines Should be treated like any medication Be familiar with its affects and check with a

doctor• Water hemlock looks like parsley but one bite can

be fatal

COMMON POISONOUS PLANTS

Azalea Buttercups

Hydrangea Iris

Oleander Philodendron

Chinaberry Daffodil

Jasmine Jimsonweed

Potato Pokeberry

English Ivy Foxglove

Lantana Larkspur

Sweet pea Wisteria (seed)

Holly (berries) Hyacinth (bulb)

Mountain Laurel Mushroom

Yew

PESTICIDE POISONING

Accidental exposure or overexposure to pesticides can have serious implications

Most pesticides can be used with relatively little risk ( following label directions) but used in a wrong manner, some are extremely toxic

MANAGING YOUR RISK

Wear protective clothing and equipment PPE

Risk = Toxicity X ExposureNo matter how toxic a product is if the

exposure is kept low, the risk can be held at an acceptable level

SIGNAL WORDS

Nearly all pesticides are toxic. They differ only in the degree of toxicity.

A pesticide label will have one of three signal words that indicates the degree of toxicity.

DANGER

Highly toxic

Oral Lethal Dose for a 150 lb. Human

Few drops to 1 teaspoon

WARNING

Moderately toxic

Oral Lethal Dose (150 lb person)

1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon

CAUTION

Low toxicity

Oral Lethal Dose (150 lb. Person)

1 ounce to more than a pint

ROUTES OF EXPOSURE

Pesticides can enter the body in three ways Dermally – Through the skin or eyes Orally – Through the mouth Inhalation – By breathing into the lungs

DERMAL EXPOSURE

Compared to the forearm with an absorption rate of 1.0 Scalp = 3.7 Ear canal = 5.4 Forehead = 4.2 Genital area = 11.8 Palm = 1.3, Ball of foot = 1.6 Abdomen = 2.1

ORAL EXPOSURE

Most common oral exposure is from placing pesticides into another container

Children under 10 are victims of at least ½ of the accidental pesticide deaths in the United States

RESPIRATORY EXPOSURE

Rapid absorption of particles by the lungs into the bloodstream

Vapors and very small particles pose the most serious risks

Ultra low volume (ULV) or fogging equipment

PESTICIDE TOXICITY

Determining toxicity to humans is not easy

Usually rats or other animals are used

Not an exact scienceOnly used as

guidelines

MEASURING TOXICITY

The measuring method, LD50 describes the dose of a pesticide that will kill half of a group of test animals from a single exposure by either the dermal, oral, or inhalation routes.

A pesticide with a lower LD50 is more toxic than one with a higher number

Fumigants are designated LC50 (Lethal concentration, 50 percent)

ACUTE TOXICITY

Refers to the effects from a single exposure or repeated exposure over a short period of time

Could be an accident during mixing or applying pesticides

CHRONIC TOXICITY

Refers to the effects of long-term or repeated lower level exposures to a toxic substance

Effects do not appear immediately and may take years to produce signs and symptoms

EXAMPLES OF CHRONIC POISONING

Carcinogenicity – ability to produce cancer or to assist carcinogenic chemicals

Mutagenicity – ability to cause genetic changes

Oncogenicity – ability to produce tumor growth

Liver damage – death of liver cells, jaundice, fibrosis, and cirrhosis

EXAMPLES OF CHRONIC POISONING

Reproductive disorders – sterility and miscarriage

Nerve damage – improper nerve functionAllergenic sensitization – development of

allergies to pesticides

RECOGNIZING SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF POISONING

POISONING SIGNS

Things that can be seen by others Vomiting Sweating Pin point pupils Burns around the mouth Pale, cool, clammy skin

POISONING SYMPTOMS

Any functional changes in normal condition which can be described by the victim Nausea, stomach pains or cramps Headache Weakness Dizziness and/or blurred vision Burning pain in the mouth or throat Ringing in the ears

HANDLING POISONING EMERGENCIES

FIRST AID FOR POISONING EMERGENCIES

Follow same guidelines for most injuries Check for vital signs – breathing and pulse – if

absent call the local EMS or 911, then perform CPR If there are other obvious symptoms of serious

poisoning, call the EMS or 911. If the person is conscious, call the poison control

center and follow instructions If unable to reach poison control or hospital for

advice, transport victim to nearest emergency service

HANDLING POISONING EMERGENCIES

Proper management of poisoning requires expert guidance

Call the local Poison Control Center or Hospital

GEORGIA POISON CONTROL CENTERS

WHEN CALLING THE POISON CONTROL CENTER

Have as much information as possible – your name, location, and phone number

Give the name of the poisoning substance – the amount and time of ingestion, also the trade name and ingredients if possible

Describe the state of the poisoning victim – conscious? Signs and symptoms- respiration, mental status, etc

POISONING EMERGENCIES

Households, especially those with children, should have on hand syrup of ipecac to induce vomiting when it is recommended

IF CAN’T GET ADVICE AND ARE FAR FROM A HOSPITAL

Determine the nature of the substance ingested – look for burns from acids or alkalis, smell breath for petroleum products

Dilute the poison by administrating water or milk if the person is conscious and can swallow. Water is used for acids and alkali.

If the substance was medicine, plant material, pesticide, or other systemic substance ingested within the previous hour – induce vomiting.

TO INDUCE VOMITING

Give 1 to 2 tablespoons of ipecac syrup (see label instructions) followed by ½ to 2 glasses of water.

If the first dose does not work, repeat after 20 minutes

Vomiting can also be induced by inserting a spoon or finger at the back of the throat.

Collect a specimen for analysis

DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING IF:

The nature of the substance is unknownA corrosive substance (house cleaner, lye, bleach,

or other acid or alkali product) is suspected.A petroleum product (benzene, kerosene, gasoline,

turpentine, paint thinner, or other hydrocarbon) is suspected. Can be inhaled into the lungs causing chemical pneumonia

The person is having seizures, is unconscious, or is losing consciousness

The victim is less than 1 year of age

PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN A CURE

Follow labeled instructionsKeep medications and other harmful

substances out of the reach of childrenDispose of all poisonous substances and

containers correctlyNever place poisonous substances in other

containersMedicines used only by those prescribed

OTHER FORMS OF POISONING ON THE FARM

BEES, WASPS, AND ANTS

Symptoms – redness, swelling, itching, and pain at the site

Allergic reaction – Facial swelling rash, hives, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting

First Aid – wash area with soap and water, apply a cool compress, elevate area on a pillow, make a paste of baking soda and water for itching ***Get immediate medical attention if anaphylactic reaction occurs

BLACK WIDOW SPIDER

Symptoms – Sharp stabbing pain, muscle pain in the abdomen, back, and limbs begins within two hours and may become severe. Pain may spread to other parts of the body and increase in severity for up to 24 hours. Hypertension, nausea, and sweating

First Aid – Wash, apply cool compress, elevate, and call Poison Control Center. Make sure tetanus booster is up-to-date.

BROWN RECLUSE SPIDER

BROWN RECLUSE SPIDER

Symptoms – Small red spot at site of bite within 2 to 10 hours. Flu-like symptoms may develop within 12 - 24 hours. Site may develop into a bulls eye lesion with a blister in the center. Rash is possible

First Aid – Wash, cool compress, elevate, seek medical attention.

BROWN RECLUSE BITE

POISON IVY, POISON OAK, POISON SUMAC

50% – 75% of people are allergicSensitive to urushiol oil found in roots,

stems, leaves, and fruit. Released when plant is damaged or bruised. If not washed oil may stay potent for years.

Symptoms – intense itchy red rash(24-72 hrs.) Blisters may develop (will not infect others)

POISON IVY, POISON OAK, POISON SUMAC

First Aid – Upon exposure, wash with soap and water within 10 – 15 minutes. Wash all clothes, tools, and shoes with alcohol and water. If rash develops – Cool compresses with water or whole milk, oral antihistamines, calamine lotion, zinc oxide or baking soda paste, Burrow’s solution

POISONOUS SNAKES

WHAT KIND OF SNAKE?

COPPERHEAD

WHAT KIND OF SNAKE?

CANEBREAK OR TIMBER RATTLER

WHAT KIND OF SNAKE?

EASTERN DIAMONDBACK

WHAT KIND OF SNAKE?

PIGMY RATTLESNAKE

WHAT KIND OF SNAKE?

COTTONMOUTH

WHAT KIND OF SNAKE?

EASTERN CORAL SNAKE

WHAT KIND OF SNAKE?

SCARLET SNAKE SCARLET KING SNAKE

IN CASE OF SNAKE BITE -

CAR KEYS AND A CAR ARE THE BEST SNAKEBITE KIT - DRIVE TO THE

NEAREST MEDICAL CARE!

IN CASE OF SNAKEBITE -

IN CASE OF SNAKEBITE -