Childhood Pesticide Poisoning Risks are Real

Oct. 31, 2011 - PRLog -- In 1990, the American Association of Poison Control Centers reported that some 79,000 children were involved in common household pesticide poisonings or exposures. In households with children under five years old, almost one-half stored at least one pesticide product within reach of children.

According to a recent survey, 75 percent of U.S. households used at least one pesticide product indoors during the past year. Products used most often are insecticides and disinfectants. Another study suggests that 80 percent of most people's exposure to pesticides occurs indoors and that measurable levels of up to a dozen pesticides have been found in the air inside homes.

Other possible pesticide sources include contaminated soil or dust that floats or is tracked in from outside, stored pesticide containers, and household surfaces that collect and then release the pesticides.  Pesticides used in and around the home include products to control insects (insecticides), termites (termiticides), rodents (rodenticides), fungi (fungicides), and microbes (disinfectants). They are sold as sprays, liquids, sticks, powders, crystals, balls, and foggers.

“It’s important for people to realize the words cide at the end of the word pesticide means to kill,” reported Brian Mcfarland, Vice President from Legends Environmental Insurance, a leading provider of insurance coverage to the environmental and remediation industries.   “In addition to active ingredients, pesticides are also made up of ingredients that are used to carry the active agent. These carrier agents are called inerts in pesticides because they are not toxic to the targeted pest.  Some inerts are capable of causing health problems.  Improperly stored and improperly applied pesticides can be a real threat.  Even some pesticides that were applied years before may still have residual effects.  Fortunately, there are professionals that provide testing services to ensure people are not at risk due to pesticides in the home and work environment,” he continued.

Legends has sponsored an educational video about pesticides and indoor air quality (IAQ).  It can be seen at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKe-RsJUNa4



To learn more about Legends Environmental Insurance Services, please visit: http://www.Legends-enviro.com, call (800) 992-6999 or email BrianM@Legends-enviro.com or bill@Legends-enviro.com.

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About Legends Environmental Insurance Services, LLC
Legends Environmental Insurance Services is nationally recognized as an innovator in providing environmental and restoration insurance programs. The company has over 30 years experience providing these services in all 50 states.