We often act like pesticides are safe, but they can be a danger if used incorrectly. Some may cause poisoning, birth defects, nerve damage, and even cancer. They can make allergies or asthma worse. Breathing fumes or dust from pesticide powders and sprays can be harmful. Touching a floor where pesticides were used can also be a danger.
Children are especially at risk.
When they crawl and play on floors and lawns, they can come in contact with pesticides used there. Young children put things in their mouths, like hands and toys. These may have touched pesticide on the floor or grass. Children may get more of the small amounts of pesticides on foods than adults because they eat more of some foods. The biggest danger is poisoning.