On Monday, March 18, the International Poison Prevention Week begins, within the framework of which the Health Board’s Poison Information Center calls attention to the dangers associated with the use of various plant protection and insect repellents in the spring.
“The approaching spring and the start of gardening attract more and more people to the outdoors. Gardening also involves various plant protection products and fertilizers, which, however, can be dangerous for humans if handled carelessly,” said Mare Oder, head of the Health Board’s Poisoning Information Center.
Various plant protection products and substances used to control insects and rodents lead to the same number of poisoning cases every spring as eating gastrointestinal-irritating or poisonous mushrooms in autumn. Last year, there were 123 mushroom poisoning calls, while there were 125 calls related to pesticides.
“If you protect the garden, protect yourself too! For example, when spraying apple trees, you must wear glasses, a mask and gloves. Even when starting to spread fertilizer in the bed, it is worth putting on gloves first. How to protect yourself from a particular repellent can be read on the product label before use,” Oder said, adding that chemicals must be kept out of the reach of children.
The poisoning information line 16662 has been contacted regarding 1,450 times with poisoning concerns related to various pesticides and fertilizers, 22 of them have been from Lääne County. In Läänemaa, the most cases are with insect repellents, that is, with mosquito and mosquito repellants. There are almost equal numbers of poisoning accidents with small children aged 1-4 and adults aged 18-64.
Symptoms of poisoning caused by inhalation or ingestion of a pesticide or insecticide include respiratory irritation, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Poisonings are the most dangerous especially for small children, the elderly and the chronically ill, whose bodies react more strongly to chemicals.
Oder encourages people to call the information number 16662 in case of poisoning or suspicion of it. “By calling the poisoning information line, a worried caller gets clarity regarding the danger of the situation or unnecessary fear, which is why they go to the hospital less,” explained Oder, and suggested saving the poisoning information number 16662 on the phone so that it can be found quickly if necessary.
Calling is anonymous and the advice line is open 24/7. Calls are answered by nurses and doctors with long-term work experience and special education in the field of poisoning, who assess the danger of the situation and give correct instructions for first aid and further action. You can ask for advice in Estonian, Russian and English.
2024-03-15 06:51:04
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