Corn Herbicide Injury Symptoms

Herbicides are pesticides unwanted plants. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that over 540 million tons of herbicides were used in 2000. Herbicides are classified broadly as either selective or nonselective. Selective herbicides act on a specific weed or type of plant. their risk to non-targeted species is minimal. Nonselective herbicides, on the other hand, pose greater risks for injury and damage due to their broad spectrum nature. Corn herbicide injury symptoms vary with the type of herbicide and the exposure.

Respiratory Distress

Some common herbicides such as glyphosate can cause respiratory distress if inhaled. The victim may cough and experience breathing difficulty, warns the Pesticide Action Network. The recommended treatment is to get the person into fresh air, away from the herbicide. Respiratory distress may occur if the herbicide is applied in close quarters such as grain bins or if winds cause the herbicide to drift back toward the person applying the agent. Glyphosate is sold under the trade names Roundup, Rodeo and Pondmaster.

Gastrointestinal Distress

Accidental ingestion of common corn herbicides such as atrazine can cause gastrointestinal symptoms including vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea, explains the Extension Toxicology Network. A victim should rinse his mouth out with water and seek medical attention. Herbicides which are ingested can accumulate in the body, causing more serious long-term effects, such as liver and heart damage. Herbicides such as paraquat can cause more serious symptoms leading to damage within the stomach and intestines, warns the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Skin Irritation

Skin irritation is a common symptom of skin contact with corn herbicides such as rimsulfuron. Exposure may cause redness or development of rashes. You may also experience eye or mucous membrane irritation if you touch your face after exposure. The recommended treatment is to rinse your skin to remove any residual herbicide. You should remove any clothing saturated with the herbicide to avoid prolonged contact.

Organ Failure

Corn herbicides which cause immediate localized injury with little or no movement through the plant represent extremely toxic agents which can cause the most serious and sometimes life-threatening symptoms. Many of these pesticides are not available to the general public because of their toxicity. Only licensed applicators may handle these herbicides.

The Pesticide Action Network warns that ingestion of corn herbicides such as diquat may cause renal failure. Symptoms can occur immediately, hours after exposure or within a few days. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warn that paraquat ingestion can cause liver, heart or lung failure. Fluid may also accumulate in the lungs.