Pesticide Exposure Risks and Safety Tips for Farmers

By Blake Jackson

Pesticide handling is among the most dangerous jobs on a farm, according to Todd Lorenz, an agronomist with University of Missouri Extension. Lorenz stresses that while responding quickly after exposure is vital, choosing the right response can be just as critical to preventing serious injury or death.

February is National Pesticide Safety Education Month, a timely reminder for farmers and home gardeners to review safe handling practices. Lorenz notes that informed decision-making and immediate, appropriate action can significantly reduce the severity of pesticide-related incidents.

Over the past year, Extension agronomists helped deliver commercial pesticide recertification training to nearly 1,000 Missourians. Estimates from the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health indicate that Missouri Extension’s pesticide safety education saves the state between $10 million and $17 million annually across agriculture, landscaping, and structural pest control.

Symptoms of exposure vary depending on the chemical and level of contact. Skin exposure may cause redness, swelling, or blistering, while sensitive areas such as the eyes, nose, mouth, and throat are especially vulnerable.

Absorption through the skin can harm internal organs. Other warning signs include nausea, vomiting, cramping, diarrhea, breathing difficulty, drooling, fatigue, muscle twitching, numbness, and sleep disturbances.

Immediate medical care is essential if exposure is suspected. “It’s always better to be safe than sorry,” Lorenz says. “Call 911 or your local poison control center, describe the symptoms, and have the pesticide label ready for emergency responders.”

Lorenz also encourages reducing reliance on chemicals by using nonchemical pest control methods whenever possible.

In emergencies, individuals can contact Poison Help at 800-222-1222, available 24/7. The service is funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and provides interpretation in 161 languages.

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