Herbicides are chemicals used to kill weeds and other unwanted plants in your garden or yard. According to Purdue University Department of Agriculture, herbicides are absorbed through your skin, broken down by the body and secreted in urine and feces. You can also inhale herbicides and cause allergic reactions. According to Texas A& M University, some examples of herbicides are chlorophenoxy, nitrophenolic, and pentachlorophenol.
Skin Irritation
According to Texas A& M University, skin irritation and rashes can result from an allergic reaction to herbicides. According to a case study by Malcolm C. Spencer, M.D. in the 1966 edition of "The Journal of the American Medical Association," contact dermatitis is one kind of allergic reaction to using certain herbicides. Contact dermatitis causes crusty, scaly skin to develop. Contact dermatitis can also cause itching, and if itching continues, you can even develop more serious skin infections. Herbicides can also cause a red rash to develop on the skin, which may also be itchy and uncomfortable for you. For people with sensitive or fragile skin, an allergic skin irritation may be worse and result in blistering or burning of the skin. Emergency medical assistance is necessary in severe cases.
Other Irritations
According to Texas A & M University, irritations of the eyes, nose and throat are sometime the result of allergic reactions to herbicides. After exposure, you may experience a reddening or watering of the eyes that may be the result of an allergic reaction. You may also have a sore or scratchy throat due to inhaling the chemicals from herbicides. In addition, you can also have problems with an irritation of the nasal membranes, and this may result in a runny or congested nose. This can be more dangerous for younger children or the elderly who may actually experience airway shutdown due to allergic reactions. If you have symptoms like these, you should seek immediate medical assistance.
Gastrointestinal
According to Texas A& M University, an allergic reaction to herbicides can result in gastrointestinal problems. You may feel very nauseated after exposure to herbicides and even begin vomiting. This may worsen and lead to diarrhea, and you may feel as though you have contracted a gastrointestinal virus. Sweating and restlessness can also accompany the gastrointestinal symptoms. If you experience these types of symptoms after exposure to herbicides, you should seek immediate medical attention.
References
- The University of Purdue Department of Agriculture: Applicator Safety in Herbicide Applications for Right-of-Way Vegetation Management
- Texas A & M University: More Than Skin Deep: Pesticides and Herbicides
- "The Journal of the American Medical Association"; Herbicide Dermatitis: Malcolm C. Spencer, MD: 1966
