PESTICIDE EXPOSURE SYMPTOMS

Anyone who is exposed to pesticides and feels ill, or has any injury related to the exposure, should contact their doctor or medical clinic immediately. Some symptoms include:

• Dizziness
• Tightness in chest
• Nausea
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Skin rash
• Blurred vision

For additional information on pesticide exposure, call:
National Pesticide Information Center
800-858-7378

National Poison Control Center
800-222-1222

WORKER PROTECTION REGULATIONS

Persons working in agricultural plant production on farms, forests, nurseries and greenhouses are protected from pesticide exposure by a federal regulation, the Worker Protection Standard for Agricultural Pesticides (WPS). Employers may also fall under the provisions of the Texas Agricultural Hazard Communication Act (Right-to-Know law/RTK), the state worker protection plan.

Both WPS and RTK require employers to take steps to reduce the risk of pesticide‑related illness and injury for themselves and the people they employ in agricultural plant production.

If a pesticide contacts a person or impacts non-target plants or areas, there may be a violation of federal and/or state law.

The agency responsible for regulating pesticides in Texas is the Texas Department of Agriculture.

FILING COMPLAINTS

You may file a complaint with TDA if you have been exposed to pesticides or if your property has been exposed to pesticides.

You may also file a complaint if you feel you are not receiving proper protection from pesticide exposure while working in agricultural plant production on farms, forests, nurseries or greenhouses. The WPS makes it illegal for employers to retaliate against employees filing complaints.

For more information, contact TDA at 800-TELL-TDA (800-835-5832) or (512) 463-7622, or the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 at (214) 665-7240.

Texas Department of Agriculture
P.O. Box 12847
Austin, TX 78711
www.tda.state.tx.us