The Western Cape Government (WCG) has issued a public warning about the dangers of street pesticides in the province.
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The pesticides, designed to target and eliminate several pests that can be harmful to human health (such as mosquitoes, flies, cockroaches, ants, mice, and rats) are often registered for agricultural purposes. However, these pesticides are reportedly often poured into different containers, unlabelled and used inappropriately.
After attending to more than 1 000 calls regarding poisoning exposures to pesticides, the Poisons Information Helpline of the Western Cape (WC) has urged residents to be cautious, seek immediate medical attention if exposed to these toxins, and educate themselves about each product. The 24-hour service assists with poisonings caused by unidentified toxins and offers advice on managing poisoning by identified substances.
As per the WCG, crowded areas typically present an ideal breeding ground for pests. ‘People seek cheap and effective ways to deal with the problem. The conventional anticoagulant rodenticides require that an animal eat multiple doses of the bait over several days. Street pesticides, on the other hand, are fast working, cheap, easily accessible, effective, and very toxic.’
During 2022, the Poisons Information Helpline logged 49% of poisoning exposure calls as accidental, and 47% as intentional. The remainder were due to other causes, including malicious intent, and 35% of the calls involved children younger than 12. During the same year, 58 cases of severe pesticide poisoning were reported, as well as eight deaths – although the organisation estimates this number to be much higher.
‘If you suspect that someone has been poisoned by illegal pesticides, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention and take the person to the nearest hospital as soon as possible,’ says Carine Marks, Director of the Tygerberg Poisons Information Centre. ‘Fast medical care can make a significant difference. It is also vital that healthcare workers report the incident and inform the relevant authorities. Providing authorities with all the necessary details can help initiate an investigation and prevent further incidents.’
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One challenge that the helpline is facing is determining exactly which pesticides were involved, as some are bought on the street as unknown pesticides. One example of this is the highly toxic ‘Halephirimi’, which means ‘you will never see the sunset’.
The helpline reminds friends and family to collect all relevant information on each product, including the brand name, packaging, or any labels on the containers. If a product is unlabelled, take it to a healthcare facility for possible identification.
‘Ensure that your family and friends avoid further exposure to the pesticide or any contaminated areas. Please cooperate with healthcare professionals and follow their instructions carefully,’ Marks adds. ‘They will be able to provide specific advice based on the symptoms and circumstances of the poisoning. When the healthcare worker is unsure about the identification and management of the poisoned patient, they will contact the Poisons Information Helpline for further guidance.’
Contact the Poisons Information Helpline on 0861 555 777.
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