POISONING EMERGENCIES ON THE FARM

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POISONING EMERGENCIES ON THE FARM

• TRI-CO. YOUNG FARMERS

By Joey Wells
Tri-County Young Farmers
Modified by Georgia Agricultural Education
Curriculum Office
May 2007
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WHAT ARE POISONS?
Poisons are substances that if inhaled, absorbed
or injected, harm the structures or functions of
the body. Some types of poisons may act
immediately on the body, others may act more
slowly. Some poisons, such as cyanide, are so
toxic they only require a very small amount to be
harmful, while others, such as garden sprays, are
cumulative and require exposure over a long
period to achieve the same level of toxicity.
Some may be carcinogenic, and cause fatal
cancers, some years after exposure.
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HOW COMMON IS POISONING IN THE U.S.?

• More than 1.5 million calls to poison control
  centers each year
• More than ¾ involve children under 5 yrs.
• Most poisonings are accidental
• Substantial number are suicide attempts
• Child proof tops have reduced child poisonings
  dramatically

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HOW COMMON IS POISONING IN THE U.S.?

• The aged are the second most commonly affected
  group
• Failing eyesight
• Using multiple drugs
• Confusion and difficulty in remembering if
  medications have been taken
• Drug overdoses by drug abusers
• Mixing drugs and alcohol
• Using several medications together

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SOURCES OF POISONING IN THE HOME AND ON THE FARM
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ACIDS ALKALIS

• Household cleaners frequently contain caustic
  acids and alkalis
• Lye, bleach, cleaners for toilet bowls, ovens,
  and drains
• Tempt children with colorful bottles and cans
• Often stored in beverage containers and milk jugs.

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PETROLEUM PRODUCTS

• GASOLINE, KEROSENE, BENZENE, MINERAL SPIRITS,
  FURNITURE POLISHES, PAINT THINNERS, AND OTHER
  SOLVENTS
• OFTEN INHALED OR SNIFFED BY YOUNG PEOPLE OR DRUG
  USERS
• Correction fluid, glue, carbon tetrachloride
• Causes cardio respiratory problems and liver
  damage

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INDUSTRIAL POISONS

• Poisonings from lead, mercury, and other heavy
  metals
• Lead poisoning from eating flaking paint and
  drinking water contaminated by lead from pipes
  and brass fixtures
• Industrial wastes near factories

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MEDICATIONS AS POISONS

• Almost any medication taken in a large quantity
  can be toxic
• Aspirin remains one of the leading causes of
  accidental poisoning in young children
• Iron pills and multivitamins containing iron are
  a major source of childhood poisoning
• Tylenol, Anacin-3, etc. and other over the
  counter drugs can cause coma and death

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POISONOUS PLANTS

• There are more than 700 plant species in the
  United States that can cause poisoning if a part
  of them is swallowed
• May be the entire plant or parts that are
  poisonous
• bulbs - daffodils
• seeds or berries - mistletoe, apple or apricot
  seeds
• flowers - jasmine
• leaves - tomato

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POISONOUS PLANTS

• Plants are second only to medicines as the cause
  of serious poisoning in children lt 5
• Be careful with herbs and herb medicines
• Should be treated like any medication
• Be familiar with its affects and check with a
  doctor
• Water hemlock looks like parsley but one bite can
  be fatal

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COMMON POISONOUS PLANTS
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PESTICIDE POISONING

• Accidental exposure or overexposure to pesticides
  can have serious implications
• Most pesticides can be used with relatively
  little risk ( following label directions) but
  used in a wrong manner, some are extremely toxic

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MANAGING YOUR RISK

• Wear protective clothing and equipment
• PPE
• Risk Toxicity X Exposure
• No matter how toxic a product is if the exposure
  is kept low, the risk can be held at an
  acceptable level

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SIGNAL WORDS

• Nearly all pesticides are toxic. They differ
  only in the degree of toxicity.
• A pesticide label will have one of three signal
  words that indicates the degree of toxicity.

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DANGER

• Highly toxic
• Oral Lethal Dose for a 150 lb. Human
• Few drops to 1 teaspoon

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WARNING

• Moderately toxic
• Oral Lethal Dose (150 lb person)
• 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon

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CAUTION

• Low toxicity
• Oral Lethal Dose (150 lb. Person)
• 1 ounce to more than a pint

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ROUTES OF EXPOSURE

• Pesticides can enter the body in three ways
• Dermally Through the skin or eyes
• Orally Through the mouth
• Inhalation By breathing into the lungs

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DERMAL EXPOSURE

• Compared to the forearm with an absorption rate
  of 1.0
• Scalp 3.7
• Ear canal 5.4
• Forehead 4.2
• Genital area 11.8
• Palm 1.3, Ball of foot 1.6
• Abdomen 2.1

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ORAL EXPOSURE

• Most common oral exposure is from placing
  pesticides into another container
• Children under 10 are victims of at least ½ of
  the accidental pesticide deaths in the United
  States

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RESPIRATORY EXPOSURE

• Rapid absorption of particles by the lungs into
  the bloodstream
• Vapors and very small particles pose the most
  serious risks
• Ultra low volume (ULV) or fogging equipment

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PESTICIDE TOXICITY

• Determining toxicity to humans is not easy
• Usually rats or other animals are used
• Not an exact science
• Only used as guidelines

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MEASURING TOXICITY

• The measuring method, LD50 describes the dose of
  a pesticide that will kill half of a group of
  test animals from a single exposure by either the
  dermal, oral, or inhalation routes.
• A pesticide with a lower LD50 is more toxic than
  one with a higher number
• Fumigants are designated LC50 (Lethal
  concentration, 50 percent)

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ACUTE TOXICITY

• Refers to the effects from a single exposure or
  repeated exposure over a short period of time
• Could be an accident during mixing or applying
  pesticides

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CHRONIC TOXICITY

• Refers to the effects of long-term or repeated
  lower level exposures to a toxic substance
• Effects do not appear immediately and may take
  years to produce signs and symptoms

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EXAMPLES OF CHRONIC POISONING

• Carcinogenicity ability to produce cancer or to
  assist carcinogenic chemicals
• Mutagenicity ability to cause genetic changes
• Oncogenicity ability to produce tumor growth
• Liver damage death of liver cells, jaundice,
  fibrosis, and cirrhosis

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EXAMPLES OF CHRONIC POISONING

• Reproductive disorders sterility and
  miscarriage
• Nerve damage improper nerve function
• Allergenic sensitization development of
  allergies to pesticides

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RECOGNIZING SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF POISONING
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POISONING SIGNS

• Things that can be seen by others
• Vomiting
• Sweating
• Pin point pupils
• Burns around the mouth
• Pale, cool, clammy skin

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POISONING SYMPTOMS

• Any functional changes in normal condition which
  can be described by the victim
• Nausea, stomach pains or cramps
• Headache
• Weakness
• Dizziness and/or blurred vision
• Burning pain in the mouth or throat
• Ringing in the ears

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HANDLING POISONING EMERGENCIES
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FIRST AID FOR POISONING EMERGENCIES

• Follow same guidelines for most injuries
• Check for vital signs breathing and pulse if
  absent call the local EMS or 911, then perform
  CPR
• If there are other obvious symptoms of serious
  poisoning, call the EMS or 911.
• If the person is conscious, call the poison
  control center and follow instructions
• If unable to reach poison control or hospital for
  advice, transport victim to nearest emergency
  service

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HANDLING POISONING EMERGENCIES

• Proper management of poisoning requires expert
  guidance
• Call the local Poison Control Center or Hospital

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GEORGIA POISON CONTROL CENTERS
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WHEN CALLING THE POISON CONTROL CENTER

• Have as much information as possible your name,
  location, and phone number
• Give the name of the poisoning substance the
  amount and time of ingestion, also the trade name
  and ingredients if possible
• Describe the state of the poisoning victim
  conscious? Signs and symptoms- respiration,
  mental status, etc

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POISONING EMERGENCIES

• Households, especially those with children,
  should have on hand syrup of ipecac to induce
  vomiting when it is recommended

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IF CANT GET ADVICE AND ARE FAR FROM A HOSPITAL

• Determine the nature of the substance ingested
  look for burns from acids or alkalis, smell
  breath for petroleum products
• Dilute the poison by administrating water or milk
  if the person is conscious and can swallow.
  Water is used for acids and alkali.
• If the substance was medicine, plant material,
  pesticide, or other systemic substance ingested
  within the previous hour induce vomiting.

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TO INDUCE VOMITING

• Give 1 to 2 tablespoons of ipecac syrup (see
  label instructions) followed by ½ to 2 glasses of
  water.
• If the first dose does not work, repeat after 20
  minutes
• Vomiting can also be induced by inserting a spoon
  or finger at the back of the throat.
• Collect a specimen for analysis

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DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING IF

• The nature of the substance is unknown
• A corrosive substance (house cleaner, lye,
  bleach, or other acid or alkali product) is
  suspected.
• A petroleum product (benzene, kerosene, gasoline,
  turpentine, paint thinner, or other hydrocarbon)
  is suspected. Can be inhaled into the lungs
  causing chemical pneumonia
• The person is having seizures, is unconscious, or
  is losing consciousness
• The victim is less than 1 year of age

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PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN A CURE

• Follow labeled instructions
• Keep medications and other harmful substances out
  of the reach of children
• Dispose of all poisonous substances and
  containers correctly
• Never place poisonous substances in other
  containers
• Medicines used only by those prescribed

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OTHER FORMS OF POISONING ON THE FARM
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BEES, WASPS, AND ANTS

• Symptoms redness, swelling, itching, and pain
  at the site
• Allergic reaction Facial swelling rash, hives,
  shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting
• First Aid wash area with soap and water, apply
  a cool compress, elevate area on a pillow, make a
  paste of baking soda and water for itching Get
  immediate medical attention if anaphylactic
  reaction occurs

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BLACK WIDOW SPIDER

• Symptoms Sharp stabbing pain, muscle pain in
  the abdomen, back, and limbs begins within two
  hours and may become severe. Pain may spread to
  other parts of the body and increase in severity
  for up to 24 hours. Hypertension, nausea, and
  sweating
• First Aid Wash, apply cool compress, elevate,
  and call Poison Control Center. Make sure
  tetanus booster is up-to-date.

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BROWN RECLUSE SPIDER
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BROWN RECLUSE SPIDER

• Symptoms Small red spot at site of bite within
  2 to 10 hours. Flu-like symptoms may develop
  within 12 - 24 hours. Site may develop into a
  bulls eye lesion with a blister in the center.
  Rash is possible
• First Aid Wash, cool compress, elevate, seek
  medical attention.

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BROWN RECLUSE BITE
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POISON IVY, POISON OAK, POISON SUMAC

• 50 75 of people are allergic
• Sensitive to urushiol oil found in roots, stems,
  leaves, and fruit. Released when plant is
  damaged or bruised. If not washed oil may stay
  potent for years.
• Symptoms intense itchy red rash(24-72 hrs.)
  Blisters may develop (will not infect others)

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POISON IVY, POISON OAK, POISON SUMAC

• First Aid Upon exposure, wash with soap and
  water within 10 15 minutes. Wash all clothes,
  tools, and shoes with alcohol and water. If rash
  develops Cool compresses with water or whole
  milk, oral antihistamines, calamine lotion, zinc
  oxide or baking soda paste, Burrows solution

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POISONOUS SNAKES
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WHAT KIND OF SNAKE?
COPPERHEAD
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WHAT KIND OF SNAKE?
CANEBREAK OR TIMBER RATTLER
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WHAT KIND OF SNAKE?
EASTERN DIAMONDBACK
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WHAT KIND OF SNAKE?
PIGMY RATTLESNAKE
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WHAT KIND OF SNAKE?
COTTONMOUTH
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WHAT KIND OF SNAKE?
EASTERN CORAL SNAKE
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WHAT KIND OF SNAKE?
SCARLET SNAKE
SCARLET KING SNAKE
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IN CASE OF SNAKE BITE -
CAR KEYS AND A CAR ARE THE BEST SNAKEBITE KIT -
DRIVE TO THE NEAREST MEDICAL CARE!
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IN CASE OF SNAKEBITE -
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IN CASE OF SNAKEBITE -