We are commonly approached with questions related to allergies and pesticides; therefore we decided to compile this blog to provide additional information related to the topic.

What is an allergy?

(Webster’s Dictionary)

Allergy, noun:

a damaging immune response by the body to a substance, especially pollen, fur, a particular food, dust, to which it has become hypersensitive. Symptoms include: red eyes, itchiness, runny nose, eczema, hives, or an asthma attack.

Which pesticides cause allergies?

According to the Medical University of South Carolina, people may be exposed to pesticides used in agriculture, applications for pest control at home or work, roadside right-of-ways for weed control, and applications of pesticides for public health vector control programs.

Most pesticides are tested for allergenic possibilities prior to marketing.  Scientists have identified the following list of common pesticides that can be hypersensitive to different individuals: allidochlor, anilazine, antu, barban, benomyl, captafol, captan, dazomet, dichloropropane, dichloropropene, lindane, maneb, nitrofen, propachlor, pyrethrum/pyrethroids, rotenone, thiram, zineb.

What happens during an allergic reaction?

From what we know about allergies, a person is exposed to an allergen by one of three ways: inhaling it, swallowing it, or through skin contact. According to WebMD, the body starts to produce an antibody called IgE to bind to the allergen. From there the antibodies attach to a mast cell. The allergens bind to the IgE, which is part of the mast cell. From that point the mast cells release a variety of chemicals in the blood. Histamine, the main chemical causes most of the symptoms of an allergic reaction.

What are the most common indoor allergens?

There are several indoor allergies that can trigger allergies. Cockroaches, mold, animal dander, dust mites, and cigarette smoke, are among the most common indoor allergies. Cockroaches’ cast-off skins and airborne roach residue can trigger an allergic response.

How do I avoid allergies?

If you believe you have a pesticide allergy, you should discuss this with your Pest Professional.  Allergic reactions vary from individual-to-individual. Most allergic reactions can be avoided by using antihistamines.

Your Turn:

Do you have a pesticide question? Leave it in the comments!