Sudden spike in pesticide-related illnesses concerns state health officials

There have been 15 potential pesticide drift events resulting in about 60 people getting ill reported to the Washington State Department of Health in the past two months– that’s as many the agency normally sees in a year. 

Since March, the department has received reports that people, primarily orchard workers, have reported getting sick due to exposure to pesticides after what is known as a “drift event.” Drift events can happen when pesticide spray drifts away from its intended area because of wind, or the person spraying isn’t aware that people are in the area. 

The type of illness or injury a person may have after a pesticide exposure varies based on type of chemicals being used, the amount and way in which a person is exposed and a person’s health. Symptoms reported have included eye and respiratory irritation, skin irritation and rashes, headache, nausea, and vomiting. 

More information about pesticides and your health is online on the Department of Health website. You can also find out how to report pesticide misuse as well as information on pesticide-use enforcement online at the Washington State Department of Agriculture.