At-Home Safety
Manage your home and garden with safety and peace of mind
Common Exposures
Indoor Air: Pesticide sprays or foggers release chemicals and vapors that linger in the air.
Household Surfaces: Residue from sprays, traps, or baits may settle on floors, countertops, and furniture.
Food and Drink: Contamination occurs through improper storage or pesticide use on kitchen surfaces.
Pet Products: Flea and tick treatments can transfer chemicals to humans via contact.
Outdoor Carry-In: Residue from treated lawns or gardens can be tracked inside on shoes or clothing. This may increase secondary exposure risks for other members of the family, including pets.
Insect and Rodent Bait Traps: Put children and pets at risk if left unsecured due to the risk of unknowingly eating the poison.
Health Impacts
Children’s Exposure To Pesticides
Children are especially vulnerable to pesticide exposure due to:
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Developing immune and metabolic systems
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"Critical periods" of development when toxins can have lasting effects, particularly neurological and hormonal systems.
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Behaviors such as playing on lawns, putting objects in their mouth, or hugging pets treated with pesticides
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Neurological damage can result in poor learning outcomes
Exposure risks range from short-term effects such as throat or eye irritation to long-term issues like developmental disorders and cancer and poor behavior outcomes.
Practical Tips for Reducing Exposure
Store Safely: Keep chemicals out of reach of children and pets. Never repackage pesticides into food containers. Never store any type of pesticide next to food.
Opt for Non Toxic Solutions: Try non-toxic options for pest control, like herbal repellents and natural cleaners.
Avoid Foggers: These "bug bombs" create lingering indoor exposure risks. Opt for targeted solutions like boric acid or bait stations.
Preventative Cleaning: Maintain a clean home, remove dust and dirt regularly, remove food residues immediately, and seal entry points to discourage pests.
Ensure Garden Safety: Avoid applying pesticides on garden edibles. Use natural pest control to prevent chemical residue on fruits and vegetables. Look for healthy soil amendments that discourage attacks from pest populations.
