Northeast Region Certified Crop Adviser (NRCCA) Study Resources

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In This Section

• PO 46 Spray Drift
• PO 47 Particle drift
• PO 48 Spray droplet size
• PO 49 Modes of entry
• PO 50 Chronic & acute poisoning
• PO 51 Acute pesticide poisoning symptoms
• PO 52 Chronic effects of pesticide poisoning
• PO 53 Pesticide contact procedures
• PO 54 Material Safety Data Sheets
• PO 55 Protective gear
• PO 56 Cleanup procedures
• PO 57 Disposal methods
• PO 58 Safe storage
• PO 59 Spill procedures

Competency Area 8: Protecting Humans from Pesticide Exposure

PO 49. List pesticide modes of entry into the human system.

There are three specific ways in which pesticides may enter your body. Pesticides may enter the body through the skin, lungs or mouth.

Dermal Route
Wet, dry, or gaseous forms of pesticides can be absorbed through the skin. This may occur if pesticides are allowed to get on the skin while mixing or applying, or if pesticide-contaminated clothing is not removed promptly and properly cleaned before being worn again. Oil or paste forms allow greater absorption through the skin than water-based pesticides. Some pesticides do not pass through the skin very readily. Others are quickly absorbed through the skin and can be as dangerous as if they were swallowed. Skin varies in its capacity to act as a barrier to pesticide absorption. The eyes, eardrums, scalp and groin areas absorb pesticides more quickly than other areas on the body. Damaged or open skin can be penetrated by a pesticide much more readily than healthy, intact skin. Once they are absorbed through skin, pesticides enter the blood stream and are carried throughout the body.

Inhalation Route
Whether as dusts, spray mist, or fumes, pesticides can be drawn into your lungs as you breathe.
Inhalation of pesticides can occur during the mixing of wettable powders, dusts, or granules.
Poisoning can also occur while fumigating or spraying without a self contained breathing apparatus or a proper respirator in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas such as greenhouses, apartments, or grain bins. The number of particles needed to poison by inhalation depends upon the concentration of the chemical in the particles. Even inhalation of dilute pesticides can result in poisoning. Once they are absorbed through the surfaces of the lungs, chemicals enter the blood stream and are distributed to the rest of the body.

Oral Route
Pesticides can enter the body through the mouth (also called ingestion). This can occur when hands are not properly washed before eating or smoking. They may be swallowed by mistake, if they are improperly stored in food containers. Ingested materials can be absorbed anywhere along the gastrointestinal tract; the major absorption site is the small intestine. Once absorbed, they eventually enter the blood stream by one of several means, and circulate throughout the body.