DOH is now collaborating with other government agencies and industry, developing microbiological and labeling standards for food, and educating both public and private sectors on the best methods to limit risks to the food supply. Illness Related to Pesticide Exposure Patricia Macier, Office of Toxic Substances Part of the responsibility of DOH is to be concerned with both natural and artificial environmental factors. With this in mind, DOH has been given a specific legislative mandate to monitor pesticide-related illnesses. Pesticide exposure can cause health consequences ranging from eye, skin, and throat irritation to more serious symptoms. Symptoms may mimic other common maladies and, therefore, go unrecognized.
Report summarizes pesticide-related illnesses.
The 1996 PIRT Report indicates that DOH staff have observed a decrease in the seriousness of reported complaints, especially for occupationally related cases. Factors contributing to this decline may be increased awareness of risks associated with pesticide exposure, increased regulatory activity, and a reduction in use of highly toxic chemicals. King and Yakima Counties each reported the highest number of cases. Yakima had 73 incidents involving 112 individuals, and King County had 40 incidents involving 45 individuals. As in prior years, insecticides were most often involved with illness.