Pest strips are typically made out of either glue on a paper backing or a porous strip impregnated with an organophosphate insecticide. Glue may stick to the skin or get in the eyes, but is unlikely to result in significant toxicity. However, exposure to organophosphates can be very toxic, causing muscle weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and coma.
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DEET is an insect repellant which helps prevent bites, and illnesses, from mosquitos and ticks. There are rare reports of health problems associated with the use of DEET, but most have been because of using the product incorrectly. The potential risks of West Nile Virus, Lyme disease, and other diseases caused by infected insects surpass the slight risks associated with DEET.
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Mothballs are pesticides used to protect stored clothing from fiber-eating moths. They can be poisonous to people and pets if swallowed or if large amounts of fumes are inhaled.
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Pyrethroids are insecticides that act on the nervous system to paralyze and kill insects. They are less toxic to humans than to insects. Mucous membrane, skin, or eye irritation are the most common adverse effects. Often symptoms are due to an allergic reaction, especially after inhalation. Asthmatics are more likely to experience wheezing and other respiratory symptoms.
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Pyrantel is an important drug for the control of intestinal worms in people and animals. It is estimated that close to 1 billion people are infested with intestinal worms globally. Pyrantel is a safe, effective, and inexpensive treatment for intestinal worms, and usually cures the condition after a single dose. It has very few side effects and is not known to cause severe toxicity in humans.
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Crotamiton is a medication sometimes used to treat scabies infestation. Crotamiton kills the scabies mites and helps with the intense itching associated with scabies. Although it is generally safe, some side effects have been reported. While other pesticide and drug combinations have taken the place of crotamiton as first-line therapy, it remains an option for the treatment of scabies.
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Organophosphate insecticides, sometimes used in and around the home, are related to some chemical warfare agents, specifically nerve agents. That fact drives home the point that insecticides must be chosen, used, and stored safely.
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The most important part of taking or giving medicine happens before taking or giving that drug: reading and understanding the label. This is the easiest way to prevent errors and overdoses. All over-the-counter (OTC) medication labels contain Drug Facts: important information about the active ingredient(s), uses, warnings, doses, and directions.
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Pesticides used to kill mice, rats, and other rodents are called rodenticides. They can also harm humans. Anticoagulant rodenticides can cause bleeding if they are eaten in large amounts or repeatedly.
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Ivermectin is a beneficial and safe antiparasitic drug used for a wide variety of parasitic diseases in humans and animals. Ivermectin is helping to eliminate onchocerciasis (river blindness), a malady that has plagued millions in the world's poorest communities.
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