Protecting Building Occupants from Pesticide Exposure Hazards

Pesticides are inherently toxic and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) describes them as chemicals that are used to kill or control pests. These pests include bacteria, fungi, and other organisms, in addition to insects and rodents.

With regards to pesticide use and indoor air quality, EPA shares information from a study that found 75% of U.S. households used at least one pesticide product indoors during the prior year. Products used most often include insecticides and disinfectants. Another study EPA mentions suggests that 80% of most people’s exposure to pesticides occurs indoors and that measurable levels of up to a dozen pesticides have been found in the air inside homes. These same pesticides are used in countless schools, offices, and other buildings.

Exposure to pesticides can also occur when contaminated soil or dust floats, or is tracked indoors, from the outside. Contact could even come from pesticide containers stored indoors, from indoor surfaces that collect and then release the pesticides, and even from products with pesticides on them that are brought indoors.

“Potential health effects from pesticide exposure can vary widely,” said Frank Selamie, President of CTSI. “According to the EPA, exposure to pesticides may result in irritation to the eyes, nose and throat; damage to the central nervous system and kidney; and an increased risk of cancer. Fortunately, there are ways to test the indoor environment for pesticides and there are a number of steps people can take to mitigate exposure risks. To achieve this, the IAQ and industrial hygiene professionals at CTSI are proud to offer testing, monitoring, training, and consulting services. These resources identify and mitigate exposure risks to pesticides and a wide range of other hazards to safeguard workers and building occupants.”

CTSI also recently sponsored an educational video about pesticides and IAQ that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/aE1jrPa95y4

To learn more about CTSI and their indoor air quality, industrial hygiene, environmental, health, and safety services, please visit www.ctsiweb.com, email contactus@ctsiweb.com , or call (212) 971-7016.

About CTSI
Established in 1992, Consulting & Testing Services, Inc. (CTSI) was founded on one strong commitment: to provide efficient and expert services to clients based on professionalism, innovation, and cost-effective expert solutions. This commitment has been furthered with CTSI’s reputation in fostering client relationships in all sectors of the Environmental, Health, Safety, and Construction industries. CTSI prides itself in utilizing a high quality service based on its diverse team of staff and professionals’ concise recommendations and solutions to the most pressing dilemmas. The company operates offices in New York and Florida that service clients across the United States.

Contact Information

Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

Contact via E-mail