Pesticide Injury and Incident Reporting
If you have recently been exposed to pesticides and have any signs of pesticide poisoning, see your doctor or nurse or go to the emergency room within 24 hours after contact. Pesticide poisoning can look like other illnesses, such as flu or food poisoning. Signs of pesticide poisoning may include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle and joint pain, headache, numbness, change in vision, dizziness, trouble breathing, skin rashes, ear, nose and throat irritation, and mental confusion.
If possible, tell your health care provider the name of the product you were exposed to. In the event your health care provider is unaware of themandatory reporting requirement- alert them that suspected injury must be reported to their local county health department and that upon physician request, the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Laboratories Administration Division of Environmental Chemistry conducts biomonitoring testing for certain pesticides: 11organochlorines, 6 organophosphates, pyrethroid metabolites as well as heavy metals.
For information on specific tests and how and when to submit a patient’s urine sample your doctor should contact Ms. Deborah Miller-Tuck, Director, Toxic Organics Program at 410.767.4388 or millertuck@dhmh.state.md.us.
The Maryland Pesticide Network, in collaboration with Beyond Pesticides, is collecting information from people that have been impacted by their exposure to pesticides in the State of Maryland. This information also helps MPN assess the impact of pesticides on public health in our state. Your input is very important and we appreciate you taking the time to fill out this report.