Is Pesticide Exposure Higher in the Summer Months?

July 18, 2023

Many homeowners, landscapers, farmers, and gardeners rely on pesticides to control the impact of animals, insects, and other outdoor pests on plants, flowers, and trees. Pesticide use corresponds with warm weather, given that more people spend time outside maintaining and cultivating lawns, fields, and similar properties. Though pesticides work, the spike in their use during spring, summer, and early fall can lead to unwanted levels of potentially dangerous exposure.

You cannot control how often others use pesticides during the summer. Nevertheless, you can still take steps to limit your exposure to pesticides to lower your risk of experiencing mild or severe side effects.

First, use personal protective equipment (PPE) as outlined on the bottle of any pesticide you plan to use. Typically, PPE includes gloves and a mask. If you get pesticide on your clothing, take it off as soon as you can and launder it immediately to avoid cross-contamination. If you splash pesticide on your skin, wash it off right away.

Secondly, go indoors or to a safer place if you are in a location where someone is using pesticides. Your goal should be to distance yourself from the pesticide being sprayed or deposited. Be especially careful if you are with children, as they are less able to fight off the effects of pesticide exposure and poisoning.

Third, be cautious about taking a side or summer job that requires you to be in the presence of pesticides daily. Landscapers, groundskeepers, pool employees, park rangers, and farmhands may be expected to use pesticides or be around them. Even occasional use, exposure, or inhalation of a toxic product can result in a severe medical emergency.

Finally, get treatment if you believe you were sickened by a pesticide.

Common Pesticide Exposure Side Effects

Even at lower exposure levels, pesticides can lead to unwanted side effects. These side effects can range from minor to life-threatening. Below are just a few of the reported conditions connected to pesticide exposure:

• Rashes, hives, and other skin irritation
• Watery, itchy eyes or throat
• Nausea, vomiting, and other gastric distress
• Headaches and dizziness
• Shortness of breath and asthma
• Coordination and balance problems
• Seizures and other central nervous system issues
• Development of cancerous and non-cancerous tumors

Our Wilmington Environmental Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Advocate for Those Harmed by Pesticide Negligence

Have you been diagnosed with a severe medical problem related to a dangerous pesticide? Contact our Wilmington environmental lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. today. Call us at 302-656-5445 or contact us online to schedule a consultation. Located in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we serve clients in Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.