"...There are many different classes of ("registered') pesticides,
including: organochlorines (DDT, chlordane, and mirex); organophosphates (parathion
and diazinon); carbamates (aldicarb, carbaryl, and carbofuran); pyrethroids
(permethrin and cypermethrin); and other agents.
Following a large single exposure, ("registered") pesticides can cause
headaches, dizziness, muscle twitching or weakness, tremors, coordination problems,
uncontrolled eye movements, blurred vision, rashes, seizures, and other serious
health problems.
Long-term exposure to smaller amounts (of "registered" poisons) in
air, food, or water can cause chronic headaches, irritation to the eyes and
breathing passages, disorders of the brain and nerves, damage to the liver and
kidneys, cancer, chromosome injury, infertility, and damage to the immune system.
Sometimes, as older pesticides ("registered" poisons) are phased out
because of toxicity, their replacements are ultimately found to be just as toxic.
This was the case with chlorpyrifos [Dursban], an organophosphate that became
popular as chlordane was phased out.
Once widely used as a pesticide ("registered" poison) in household
and professional applications, chlorpyrifos was found to accumulate heavily
on surfaces long after it was applied.
Persons who were overexposed to chlorpyrifos suffered headaches, dizziness,
muscle twitching, vomiting, blurred vision, and other problems....
To protect children from chlorpyrifos overexposure, the U. S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) and pesticide manufacturers agreed in 1997 to ELIMINATE
chlorpyrifos in broadcast pesticide products, such as foggers, as well as in
pet products, such as flea dips and shampoos.
Like chlorpyrifos, pesticides that are sprayed indoors may remain suspended
in the air for SEVERAL DAYS [in some studies, as long as TWO weeks] after application.
Eventually these chemicals ("registered" poisons) SETTLE on floors,
toys dropped on floors, food left uncovered on countertops, and many HOUSEHOLD
SURFACES. They can also enter your home on shoes that have been in contact with
pesticide-treated grass.
Pesticides ("registered" poisons) sprayed outdoors can accumulate
in water used for drinking, cooking, and bathing, and they can coat the surfaces
of produce sold at your grocery store or farm stand."
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--Source: http://kidshealth.org/parent/safety/environ.html
From Kidshealth.org, the experts at the Nemours Foundations, in association
with their sister site, KidsHealth at the AMA, which was developed by two of
the nation's most trusted health authorities, The AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
and The Nemours Foundation