Each year workers in the field of agriculture are affected by pesticide-related illnesses and injuries. Although these problems have declined over the years, they still pose a threat to many workers. The University of California's Statewide Integrated Pest Management Project recently set up workshops to better inform rural health clinics about these illnesses so the cases will continue to decrease over the years. The two most common elements that cause pesticide illnesses are sulfur and organophosphate insecticides.
Sulfur causes rashes and irritations to occur in the skin and eyes.
Sulfur is easily attracted to these areas because it is sprayed, as a powder, in the fields. The wind then carries the powder, causing it to irritate people's eyes or stick to their skin. It does not cause long-term irritation. The person's health is not compromised. On the other hand organophosphate insecticides cause more serious illnesses because they inhibit nerve transmissions.