An Epidemiological Study of Pesticide Exposures in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania

Abstract

Pesticide incidents reported to the Pittsburgh Poison Center were followed up with a standard interview. Comparison of the statistical evaluation of these interviews with other regional and national studies indicated that the Allegheny County experience is representative of accidental pesticide exposures in an urban area. Remarkably high frequencies were observed for children less than 2 years old exposed to attractive formulations, for children of 2 to 5 years exposed to stored products, and for adults exposed during applications. Seasonal differences were also noted. Childhood exposures, especially to rodent and ant baits, were often unnecessarily treated.