Children are at a greater risk for some pesticides for a number of reasons. Children's internal organs are still developing and maturing and their enzymatic, metabolic, and immune systems may provide less natural protection than those of an adult. There are "critical periods" in human development when exposure to a toxin can permanently alter the way an individual's biological system operates. Children may be exposed more to certain pesticides because often they eat different foods than adults. Children are also inquisitive, learning, and at large; testing and tasting things around the home is not unusual and you should never tempt harm by leaving around anything that can injure a child.
The following simple steps can help you save children from environmental hazards around the home.
1Always store out of reach. Pesticides and other household chemicals, including chlorine bleach, should be kept out of children's reach–preferably in a locked cabinet at all times when not in use.
2Read the label first! Pesticide products, household cleaning products, and pet products can be dangerous or ineffective if too much or too little is used.
3Before applying pesticides or other household chemicals, remove children and their toys, as well as pets, from the area.
4Keep children and pets away until the pesticide has dried or as long as is recommended on the label.
5If your use of a pesticide or other household chemical is interrupted (perhaps by a phone call), properly reclose the container and remove it from children’s reach. Always use household products in child-resistant packaging.
6Never transfer pesticides to other containers that children may associate with food or drink(like soda bottles), and never place rodent or insect baits where small children can get to them.
7When applying insect repellents to children, read all directions first; do not apply over cuts, wounds, or irritated skin; do not apply to eyes, mouth, hands, or directly on the face; and use just enough to cover exposed skin or clothing, but do not use under clothing.
8Many homes built before 1978 in the USA have lead-based paint. If you plan to remodel or renovate, get your home tested. Don’t try to remove lead paint yourself.
9Ask about lead when buying or renting a home. In the USA, sellers and landlords must disclose known lead hazards in houses or apartments built before 1978. Check the laws of your own jurisdiction for supporting provisions if you are not in the USA.
10Get your child tested for lead. There are no visible symptoms of lead poisoning, and children may suffer behavior or learning problems as a result of exposure to lead hazards.
11Wash children’s hands, toys, and bottles often. Regularly clean floors, window sills, and other surfaces to reduce possible exposure to lead and pesticide residues.
- Use child-proof locks on storage areas to prevent access. These are affordable, easy to install and readily available at hardware stores, children's equipment stores, and child safety organizations.
Things You'll Need
- Safe and secure storage
- Emergency phone numbers handy
- Legislative provisions to back up your inquiries
- Washing facilities
Sources and Citations
- Original source of article, US EPA, Ten Tips to Protect Children from Pesticide and Lead Poisoning. Public domain information.
Categories: Childhood Health
In other languages:
Deutsch: Kinder vor Vergiftungen durch Schädlingsbekämpfungsmittel und vor Bleivergiftung schützen, Português: Proteger as Crianças de Pesticidas e Envenenamento por Chumbo, Italiano: Evitare l'Avvelenamento da Pesticidi e da Vernice al Piombo nei Bambini, Français: protéger les enfants contre les pesticides et l'empoisonnement au plomb, Español: proteger a los niños de pesticidas y envenenamientos por plomo, Русский: защитить детей от отравления пестицидами, Bahasa Indonesia: Melindungi Anak dari Keracunan Timbel dan Pestisida
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