December 12th, 2017
The prevalence of pesticide use has raised significant concern over the potential health effects associated with both acute and chronic exposure to these compounds. Children, in particular, may be especially vulnerable to the toxicants present in many commercial pest control products. Based on evidence of or potential for serious and persistent toxic effects, the primary compounds used in the pesticide market have undergone a dramatic shift in recent years, with the elimination of some substances from commercial use and the development of alternative strategies for controlling pests in and around the home. Multiple hazards are associated with pesticide use in the home. Low-dose, chronic exposure may negatively impact the nervous system, though long-term effects are still not thoroughly understood. Cases of poisoning resulting from accidental acute exposure to pesticides have been well documented in children. Some research has suggested a possible link between pesticide exposure and neurodevelopmental effects, as well as potential asthma exacerbation. These risks may be amplified in low-income urban neighborhoods, where substandard housing conditions increase the chances of pest infestation and, consequently, pesticide usage. Efforts are underway to assess the degree of residential pesticide use in the U.S. and effects of exposure, particularly upon children and pregnant women. Methods of quantifying pesticide use include home surveys and questionnaires, human biological sampling, and sampling of environmental media within the home.