How to Treat Dursban Exposure

Dursban, a brand name for chlorpyrifos, is used as an insecticide. Because of its danger to humans, its use in residential settings has been curtailed. The EPA has linked chlorpyrifos to neurotoxic effects. Symptoms include acute neurologic poisoning and chronic depression, drowsiness, and confusion. Chlorpyrifos belongs to a family of insecticides (organophosphates) shown to cause blurred vision, muscle weakness, headaches, and memory problems. Treatment for Dursban exposure requires emergency procedures.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Saline solution
• Soap
• Atropine tablets

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Instructions

• 1

  Do not enter a contaminated area to rescue a victim. Contact emergency personnel to do so.

• 2

  Remove the victim from the area to get them fresh air. If the chlorpyrifos was inhaled, provide oxygen if possible.

• 3

  Provide CPR to the victim as needed.

• 4

  Do not make the victim vomit, even if the chlorpyrifos was swallowed.

• 5

  Remove the victim's clothing, including their shoes. Isolate the clothing, e.g. by placing it in a plastic bag. Wash the victim's skin liberally with soap and water for 15 minutes.

• 6

  Rinse the eyes with saline for 15 minutes if they were exposed. Before using the saline, check to see if the victim is wearing contacts and remove them, if applicable.

• 7

  Seek medical personnel. Make sure they know that chlorpyrifos is an organophosphate insecticide. Let them know that the initial antidote is atropine. The dosage is 0.6mg every 5 minutes until the mouth is dry. Don't give anything by mouth if the victim is not fully conscious, due to a choking hazard.