|
 There
is no such thing as a silly question if you think someone has been exposed
to a potentially dangerous pesticide. For
poisoning emergencies in Florida the best way to get fast information is to
call the Florida Poison Information Center at 1-800-222-1222. Specially trained nurses and pharmacists are available 24 hours a
day, seven days a week to offer treatment, preventive advice and information
regarding potential poison hazards.
 The
specialist will need to obtain a thorough and accurate history of what
happened to determine the severity of the exposure. If possible, bring the pesticide container to the phone so that you
can provide complete information about the pesticide that was ingested or
spilled. An estimated seventy percent of
poisonings can be safely treated at home over the phone with the help of a
poison control specialist.
If it is not an emergency situation, your doctor may be able to determine if
your symptoms are related to pesticides by asking questions, conducting a
physical exam, or doing a blood test.
You and your doctor should then report any harmful pesticide exposure
to the Department of Health Pesticide Exposure Surveillance at
850-245-4444 ext 4576 or the Pesticide Hotline 1-800-606-5810, Monday to Friday
from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Section 381.0031,
Florida Statutes, requires physicians, hospitals, and laboratories to report
pesticide poisoning cases to the Department of Health. This program
documents and monitors pesticide exposures in the state to identify trends
in pesticide exposures and prevent additional exposures where possible. The
program works directly with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer
Services and the 67 county health departments to investigate sources of
pesticides that may be causing human illnesses. |
