1. August 2008 POISONING EMERGENCIES ON THE FARM TRI-CO. YOUNG FARMERS FEBRUARY 26, 2002 By Joey Wells Tri-County Young Farmers Modified by Georgia Agricultural Education Curriculum Office July, 2002

2. August 2008 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.

3. August 2008 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

4. August 2008 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

5. August 2008 SOURCES OF POISONING IN THE HOME AND ON THE FARM

6. August 2008 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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8. 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

9. August 2008 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

10. August 2008 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

11. August 2008 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

12. August 2008 POISONOUS PLANTS Plants are second only to medicines as the cause of serious poisoning in children < 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

13. August 2008 COMMON POISONOUS PLANTS

14. August 2008 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

15. August 2008 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

16. August 2008 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.

17. August 2008 DANGER Highly toxic Oral Lethal Dose for a 150 lb. Human –Few drops to 1 teaspoon

18. August 2008 WARNING Moderately toxic Oral Lethal Dose (150 lb person) –1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon

19. August 2008 CAUTION Low toxicity Oral Lethal Dose (150 lb. Person) –1 ounce to more than a pint

20. August 2008 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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22. 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

23. August 2008 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

24. August 2008 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

25. August 2008 PESTICIDE TOXICITY Determining toxicity to humans is not easy Usually rats or other animals are used Not an exact science Only used as guidelines

26. August 2008 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)

27. August 2008 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

28. August 2008 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

29. August 2008 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

30. August 2008 EXAMPLES OF CHRONIC POISONING Reproductive disorders – sterility and miscarriage Nerve damage – improper nerve function Allergenic sensitization – development of allergies to pesticides

31. August 2008 RECOGNIZING SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF POISONING

32. August 2008 POISONING SIGNS Things that can be seen by others –Vomiting –Sweating –Pin point pupils –Burns around the mouth –Pale, cool, clammy skin

33. August 2008 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

34. August 2008 HANDLING POISONING EMERGENCIES

35. August 2008 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

36. August 2008 HANDLING POISONING EMERGENCIES Proper management of poisoning requires expert guidance Call the local Poison Control Center or Hospital

37. August 2008 GEORGIA POISON CONTROL CENTERS

38. August 2008 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

39. August 2008 POISONING EMERGENCIES Households, especially those with children, should have on hand syrup of ipecac to induce vomiting when it is recommended

40. August 2008 IF CAN’T 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.

41. August 2008 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

42. August 2008 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

43. August 2008 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

44. August 2008 OTHER FORMS OF POISONING ON THE FARM

45. August 2008 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

46. August 2008 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.

47. August 2008 BROWN RECLUSE SPIDER

48. August 2008 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.

49. August 2008 BROWN RECLUSE BITE

50. August 2008 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)

51. August 2008 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, Burrow’s solution

52. August 2008 POISONOUS SNAKES

53. August 2008 WHAT KIND OF SNAKE? COPPERHEAD

54. August 2008 WHAT KIND OF SNAKE? CANEBREAK OR TIMBER RATTLER

55. August 2008 WHAT KIND OF SNAKE? EASTERN DIAMONDBACK

56. August 2008 WHAT KIND OF SNAKE? PIGMY RATTLESNAKE

57. August 2008 WHAT KIND OF SNAKE? COTTONMOUTH

58. August 2008 WHAT KIND OF SNAKE? EASTERN CORAL SNAKE

59. August 2008 WHAT KIND OF SNAKE? SCARLET SNAKE SCARLET KING SNAKE

60. August 2008 IN CASE OF SNAKE BITE - CAR KEYS AND A CAR ARE THE BEST SNAKEBITE KIT - DRIVE TO THE NEAREST MEDICAL CARE!

61. August 2008 IN CASE OF SNAKEBITE -

62. August 2008 IN CASE OF SNAKEBITE -