Pesticides have a widespread and sometimes fatal affect in the body. These very toxic chemicals can disrupt every body system from our hormones to the respiratory system and skin.

Where adequate protection was not provided to you during your career and you contracted pesticide poisoning as a result, you are in a position to make a pesticide poisoning claim against your employer on the basis of negligence.

Pesticides cover several types of toxic substances used to kill pests – insecticides for insects; herbicides for weeds; rodenticides for rats and mice, and so on.

Pesticides allow for crops and plants to grow unimpeded, and to some extent are used to protect human health from the diseases that pests carry, but ingesting, inhaling or coming into direct contact with pesticides on the skin can be extremely harmful to us.

The danger of pesticides is that they have the potential to stay within the environment for tens of years and accumulate in the fatty tissues of animals.

It is then quite easy to see how humans can be affected by pesticide through farming and agriculture, but even those working within the textile industry can be affected as forms of pesticides are used to protect carpets and clothing from insect attacks.

Members of the public, if pesticides are used close to their place of work or home, might also be at risk, so if you start to feel any of the symptoms listed below, it is advisable to seek medical help as soon as possible.

Employers in these industries have a legal responsibility to monitor workers who are at a known risk of pesticide poisoning and other occupational illnesses.

If you have been diagnosed with pesticide poisoning, you may then be able to make a hazardous substances claim against your employer for compensation.

Below are just a handful of the symptoms of pesticide poisoning:

• Abdominal pain and cramps
• Nausea and vomiting
• Difficulty breathing
• Dizziness
• Increased salivation
• Skin irritation
• Seizures

If your work involves daily exposure to pesticides, the risks can be controlled by your employer implementing safeguarding measures, such as providing staff with personal protective equipment and thorough health and safety training.

Britain’s industry is governed by the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) which works to limit the amount of substances that employees are exposed to.

Unfortunately, these set limits are not always adhered to and where you have fallen ill as a result of occupational negligence, you may be eligible to make a pesticide poisoning claim for compensation.

With claims of this kind there is a three year limitation period so we urge you to contact us as soon as possible after you think your health, or that of a loved one, has been compromised.