Most household bug sprays contain chemicals called pyrethrins. (These chemicals are generally non-harmful, but can cause life-threatening breathing problems if breathed in.)
Industrial insecticides, often found in household garages and greenhouse, contain many dangerous materials, including:
Note: Serious poisoning can occur from just touching the organophosphate without gloves or without washing hands soon after exposure. Significant amounts of the chemical soak through the skin unless protective measures are taken. Life-threatening paralysis and death can occur very quickly.
Review Date: 5/17/2006
Reviewed By: Janeen R. Azare, PhD, MSPH, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Poisons
