Pesticides and pregnancy
Pesticides and
pregnancy raise a lot of questions, and with good reason. Significant exposure
to pesticides is a concern for adults, children and especially pregnant women.
Garden bugs, fleas, mosquitoes, ants and cockroaches are just some of the
reasons why women commonly spray pesticides around their homes.
Pesticides and
insecticides contain chemicals that affect the nervous system of insects and
cause them to die. During the first trimester of pregnancy, your baby's nervous
system develops rapidly, so you should definitely avoid any contact with
pesticides during this time.
Safety of pesticide use during pregnancy
Agricultural pesticides and insecticides
Some studies show
that the greatest risk of pesticide exposure occurs during the first 3 to 8
weeks of the first trimester, when neural tube development occurs. If you find
yourself pregnant and living near agricultural land where pesticides are used,
it is recommended that you retire to avoid exposure to these chemicals.
Biological and natural pesticides
Almost all toxins
used in pesticides are naturally occurring plant compounds. While they appear
to be healthier, the terms "organic" and "natural" are not
synonymous with "better" or "safer." All chemicals, including
natural chemicals, can cause harm if not handled properly. Be sure to read the
warning labels on all pesticide and insecticide packages before handling them.
Useful information
about the use of pesticides or insecticides during pregnancy
Below is some useful
information about the use of pesticides or insecticides during pregnancy:
- Don't panic if you realize you've been exposed to a pesticide. All real risk comes from prolonged or intense exposure. If you have just treated your dog for fleas and are exposing yourself to the pesticide, there is little risk to your child.
- The safest plan is to avoid using pesticides or insecticides at home, on pets, or in the garden while pregnant. Especially avoid them during the first trimester, when the neural tube and nervous system of the baby is developing.
If your home, pet, or
garden needs to be treated for pesticides, follow these guidelines to reduce
the chance of exposure:
- Ask someone to apply pesticides
- Leave the area for the time indicated on the pesticide package.
- Remove food, utensils and cutlery from the area before using the pesticide.
- - Wash the area where food is usually prepared after any pesticide use in the home.
- Open the windows and let the house air out once the treatment is complete.
- Wear protective clothing while gardening to avoid contact with plants containing pesticides.