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Transcript: Home Pesticide Sampling Video Excerpt - University of Cincinnati
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This video was made possible in part by grants from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Practically everyone in America has been in contact with pesticides.
Each year, Americans use more than a billion pounds of pesticides to combat pests on farm crops,
In gardens, homes, schools, homes, parks, swimming pools and on their pets.
Pesticides are found in many common household products
such as cockroach sprays and baits,
Insect repellants for personal use
Rat and other rodent poisons
Flea and tick sprays, powders and pet collars.
Products that kill mold and mildew such as kitchen, laundry and bath disinfectants and sanitizers.
Some lawn and garden products such as weed killers
and swimming pools.
All pesticide products have an active ingredient which is the actual pesticide.
The pesticide is highly toxic against the unwanted pests.
The active ingredient is mixed with other ingredients which helps spread these toxic chemicals into the environment.
The product label states how to safely use, store and dispose of the pesticide.
Carelessly used or stored pesticides may result in symptoms such as
Headache
Rash or
Aching joints
A person may also feel dizzy
Nauseous
Confused
And may be unable to concentrate.
Over time, pesticides may even harm their brain and their ability to reproduce.
Children are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of pesticides.
A child’s body is still developing and their normal activity puts them at increased risk for increased exposure to pesticides.
Children play on the floor, or the lawn, where pesticides are used.
They also put their hands or toys in their mouth, which increases their risk of being exposed to pesticides.
Pesticides are commonly sprayed outside the house, along the sides of the building.
Lawns and grassy areas are also treated with pesticides to kill weeds and bugs.
Children may be exposed when they play on the grass or in gardens.
Pesticides can also be tracked into the home and from one room to another.
In homes, pesticides are often sprayed along baseboards.
The chemical fills the air in the room, settling on furniture, toys and the floor.
Exposure occurs when people breathe the air or touch sprayed surfaces.
The residues may remain for days, even weeks.
[Slide: Collecting dust wipe samples for pesticides]
Testing your home for pesticides can be easy.
The kit contains supplies to collect dust wipe samples. In the kit, you will find:
Written instructions for collection and storage. You can use these written instructions as you collect your samples.
Brochures on pesticide use and safety
Test tubes
Disposable gloves
Wipes
An ice pack
Instructional video
Disposable template, a 12-inch by 12-inch square
A pen and laboratory sample form
An address label and a mailing envelope.
Pesticide Exposure Prevention Tips
Read and follow the label directions
Don’t smoke or eat when using pesticides
Keep children and pets away from areas when you apply pesticides
Leave shoes at the door to avoid tracking pesticides into the home.
Air out the building adequately after a pesticides is applied indoors.
Store pesticides in a locked cabinet out of reach of children and pets.
Wash children’s hands before they eat.
And finally, wash children’s toys regularly after pesticides are used indoors.
For more information on pesticides, alternatives to pesticide use and how to prevent exposure, contact the National Pesticide Telecommunications Network at 1-800-858-7378.
--Credits--
Project Director: Sandy Roda
Centers Funded By: 