MDCH's Pesticide Illness and Injury Surveillance Program gathers reports of pesticide exposures that result in acute illnesses and injuries and provides Michigan citizens with reliable information to understand and safely use pesticides.
Resources
Pesticide Information Resources provides over 150 links to websites containing general homeowner information on pesticides; children and pesticides; mosquitoes and other pests; lawn and garden care; alternatives to chemical pesticides; and other topics.
Bug Bombs
The Centers for Disease Control has issued a report on the use of bug bombs.
During 2001-2006, 466 cases of illness and injury due to from total-release foggers (TRFs) or "bug bombs" were reported in eight states. TRFs are a health risk to users and bystanders.
Cough, shortness of breath, and upper airway irritation are the most common health problems. These preventable TRF illnesses and injuries were often due to the user's inability get out of the area before the TRF was used, entering the treated space too soon, using too many TRFs, accidental discharge of a TRF, and not notifying others about the use of TRFs.
Brochures
Michigan Occupational Pesticide Illness and Injury Brochure - English
Michigan Occupational Pesticide Illness and Injury Brochure - Spanish
What You Need to Know About Pesticides and Your Health
Reports
Annual reports summarizing pesticide poisoning surveillance data, with case narratives, are available.
2007 Report
2006 Report
2005 Report
2004 Report
2001-2003 Report
What should you do if you've become sick due to a pesticide exposure?
If you have recently been exposed to a pesticide and are experiencing symptoms, contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or call your physician.
To report a misuse of pesticides, contact the Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) at 1-800-292-3939.
For more information, contact the Pesticide Surveillance Coordinator at 1-800-MI-TOXIC (1-800-648-6942) or schwartza@michigan.gov.