The Effects of Herbicides & Pesticides on Humans

Pesticides are designed to kill unwanted living pests in the home and garden, but unfortunately they can harm people as well. Pesticide poisoning in humans occurs far too often. Herbicide poisoning is relatively uncommon but equally hazardous. According to Pennsylvania State University's Cooperative Extension, the effects of pesticides on humans are largely based on their toxicity and on the length and type of exposure to the poison.

Inhalation

Initial symptom of inhaling a pesticide or herbicide may be a burning sensation of the breathing system, which includes the nasal passageways and the chest area. A cough, headache, dizziness, excessive secretions and fatigue may also be signs of pesticide poisoning by inhalation.

Consumption

The potential effects after consuming a pesticide or herbicide include severe burning of the mouth, throat and stomach, and vomiting; diarrhea and muscle twitching. In more severe cases, oral exposure may trigger an onset of asthma, constricting the air passageways and affecting the lungs.

Contact

Dermal contact with pesticides and herbicides can cause initial reactions of nasty itching, burning and blistering of the skin. More toxic pesticides and prolonged exposure may cause the skin to crack and change color, progressing to a complete loss of feeling in the area.

Ocular

If the eyes are exposed to a pesticide, "permanent or temporary blindness can occur," states the Iowa State University website on Integrated Pest Management. However, herbicides may cause more minor reactions including eye irritation and abnormal cell growth on the cornea and lens. Minor symptoms of pesticide exposure include contracted pupils, blurred vision and excessive tearing.

Delayed Effects

Exposure to pesticides and herbicides may have delayed effects after the initial exposure and may occur during prolonged exposure as well. Some delayed effects of herbicide exposure include aggressive behavior, muscle weakness, confusion, lethargy and giddiness. Delayed effects of pesticide exposure include lack of coordination, confusion, slowed heart rate, seizures, pulmonary edema, and coma in severe cases.

Chronic effects

Constant exposure to herbicides and pesticides over a long period of time can cause many tragic diseases and cancers. According to Pennsylvania State University's Cooperative Extension, "suspected chronic effects from exposure to certain pesticides include birth defects, toxicity to a fetus, production of benign or malignant tumors, genetic changes, blood disorders, nerve disorders, endocrine disruption and reproduction effects."