Topical effects generally develop at the site of pesticide contact. Dermatitis, or inflammation of the skin, generally is accepted as the most commonly reported topical effect associated with pesticide exposure. Symptoms of dermatitis range from reddening of the skin to blisters or rashes. Some persons may be allergic to pesticide chemicals. Symptoms of an allergic reaction range from reddening and itching of the eyes and skin to respiratory discomfort often resembling an asthmatic condition.
Systemic effects are quite different from topical effects.
They often occur away from the original point of contact as a result of the pesticide being absorbed into and distributed throughout the body. Systemic effects often include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, headache, and intestinal disorders. Different classes or families of chemicals cause different types of symptoms. Individuals also vary in their sensitivity to different levels of these chemicals. Some people may show no reaction to a dose that causes severe illness in others.