13 Childhood Poisoning More Severe. Compared with children exposed to other pesticides, kids exposed to organophosphate insecticides like Dursban generally are three times more likely to be hospitalized, five times more likely to be admitted to a critical care unit, and four times more likely to die or suffer life-threatening illness or permanent disability. Poisoning Leads to Long-term Problems. 15 Persistent Effects. Neurobehavioral effects reported include persistent headaches, blurred vision, unusual fatigue or muscle weakness, and problems with mental function including memory, concentration, depression, and irritability.
Some People Are More Sensitive.
Around 10 percent of the population appears to be significantly more sensitive to chronic effects from Dursban poisoning. This is consistent with what is known about how people vary in their ability to produce key enzymes that metabolize organophosphates. 19 Links to Asthma. Dr. Wagner reports the case of a child with no history of allergy who developed new asthma that persisted after acute exposure to Dursban. In farmworkers, asthma has been associated with exposure to pesticides that, like Dursban, inhibit the enzyme cholinesterase.