Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
3.
Allergic Effects
Alle r gic e ffe c ts
are harmful effects that some peopl e devel op in reac-
tion to substances that do not cause the same reaction in most other people.
Allergic reactions are not thought to occur during a person's first exposure to a
substance. The first exposure causes the body to develop repelling response
chemicals to that substance. A later (second, third, or more) exposure results
in the allergic response. This process is called
sensitization,
and substances
that cause people to become allergic to them are known as
sensitizers.
Certain substances cause many people to develop an allergic reaction.
Poison ivy, for example, causes a severe skin rash in many people. Other
substances cause allergic reactions in only a few people. Turfgrass, for exam-
ple, causes a severe skin rash in relatively few people.
a.
Types of Allergic Effects
Some people are sensitized to certain pesticides. After being exposed once
or a few times without effect, they develop a severe allergy-like response upon
later exposures. These allergic effects include:
•
systemic effects, such as asthma or even life-threatening shock
•
skin irritation, such as rash, blisters, or open sores
•
eye and nose irritation, such as itchy, watery eyes and sneezing.
Unfortunately, there is no way to tell which people may develop allergies
to which pesticides. However, certain people seem to be more chemically
sensitive than others. They develop an allergic response to many types of
chemicals in their environment. These persons may be more likely to develop
allergies to pesticides.
Typical precautionary statements on pesticide labeling include:
•
This product may produce temporary allergic side effects characterized
by redness of the eyes, mild bronchial irritation, and redness or rash on
exposed skin areas. Persons having an allergic reaction should contact
a physician.
•
May be a skin sensitizer.
•
The active ingredient may cause skin sensitization reactions in certain
individuals.
