ABSTRACT
One of the more serious responses that can be made is to a pesticide accident. Pesticides are made from a myriad of chemicals; some of which are very toxic, can cause cancer or birth defects and even disrupt the genetic code, or can cause damage to the central nervous system. Skin absorption is the most common route of entry and poisoning by pesticides. Absorption of a pesticide through the eyes is one of the quickest ways to become poisoned because the eyelid has a high absorbency and the eyes are linked to the central nervous system. Symptoms of pesticide poisoning include pinpoint pupils, rapid pulse rate, and rapid breathing. Pesticide poisonings and exposures pose a very serious health and safety hazard to the responded fire fighter, and site worker. Fire fighters are also faced with an inhalation hazard. Proper decontamination of personnel and equipment must be performed with great care when dealing with a pesticide incident.
