Pesticide Poisoning Leads to Serious Health Complications

One of the most harmful substances regularly used in society is applied to our food, gardens, and in public parks. Pesticides are a threat to everyone, though those who are exposed to the greatest quantities are at the most risk. People who work in farming, fruit and vegetable packing, landscaping, in orchards, nurseries, and others that use or are exposed to pesticides have the most health complications due to pesticides. However, pesticides pose a risk to all, especially to younger children, as well as fetuses whose mothers are exposed to heavy amounts of them. It is vital to contact an experienced personal injury attorney at once if you or a loved has been exposed to high levels of pesticides and have come down with a health complication. You may be able to be compensated for your illness, which can help you cover the bills that are associated with your decline in health.

Pesticide Use in Parks, Farming, Nurseries, and Home Landscaping

Pesticides kill unwanted “pests,” while leaving the desired plant healthy and strong. These pests include insects as well as weeds, grass, and other plant life that take nutrients away from the fruit or vegetable-producing crop. Pesticides are also used on the sides of roads and other areas where unwanted plant life needs to be cleared. Pesticides in heavy use cause serious problems for humans when consumed, breathed in, or when skin contact occurs.

Roundup is on the World Health Organization’s List of Probable Carcinogens

Roundup (glyphosate) is used in massive quantities in the U.S. In 2007 US farmers used 185 million pounds of glyphosate, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It is the most heavily used pesticide. It is also incredibly dangerous. It is on the World Health Organization’s list of probable human carcinogens. Roundup has been shown to cause cancer,  infertility, and Parkinson’s disease. Roundup is used in farming as well as home and garden use, to clear unwanted brush, in golf courses, and in business landscaping, which is why it is a threat to nearly everyone.

Pesticides Cause Cancer, Leukemia, and Birth Defects

Those who live in farming communities have the highest rates of leukemia, skin cancer, lip cancer, brain cancer, multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, birth defects, asthma, weakened immune system, prostate cancer, and soft tissue sarcoma, according to the National Cancer Institute. Exposure to pesticides for a year or more, termed chronic exposure, greatly increases a person’s chances of developing one of those aforementioned conditions. Short term exposure to pesticides includes less severe but still serious conditions including vomiting, headache, nausea, diarrhea, pinpoint pupils, rashes, and ear, skin, eye, and throat irritation, according to the California Department of Public Health. If you or a loved one have developed any serious health conditions from pesticide poisoning, contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. You may be eligible for compensation including help with medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. You must be able to prove negligence on the party responsible, which is where an attorney becomes invaluable.