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Effects of Termiticides on Infants

Termiticides are pesticides targeted at termites.These termite population control chemicals can be purchased over the counter, and can be applied to wood or soil. Many termiticides, however, are toxic and non-repellent, making them potentially hazardous to the environment and people.

  1. Pyrethroids

    • The most common form of termiticide chemicals are pyrethroids. These synthetic chemicals are derived from Pyrethrum, a type of flower. The chemical, which contains acids, works on termites by paralyzing their nervous systems after direct ingestion, according to the website Beyond Pesticides. Many termiticide products are chemically enhanced with synergists, making them potentially more hazardous.

    Problem Areas

    • Depending on how its applied, it's possible that infants or young children can come into contact with pyrethroid-based termiticides in many parts of a property. These repellents work as a barrier, keeping termites out of entry points of wooden structures. For effective use, they often require large applications. To eradicate termites from the property entirely, all wood structure entry points are potential targets. According to the website Beyond Pesticides, pyrethroid-based termiticides aren't easily absorbed through the skin and can cause most harm to humans through inhalation.

    Effects on Infants

    • The most serious cases of pyrethroid poisoning have occurred in infants, many of whom can't break down the chemical, according to the website Beyond Pesticides. More serious symptoms include asthmatic reactions, occurring in children with histories of asthma or allergic reactions. Oral ingestion of the product by infants can lead to convulsions, paralysis and even death through respiratory failure. Pyrethroid poisoning can cause sneezing, convulsions, nasal stuffiness, headaches, nausea, incoordination, and tremors as well.

    Signs

    • According to the website Baby Center, you should call 911 if you see an infant display one or more of the following symptoms: breathing difficulty, convulsions, extreme sleepiness, severe throat pain, and mouth or lip burns. They could all be signs of potential pyrtheroid poisoning.

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