Organophosphate pesticide: dichlorvos
Product: impregnated resin strips
Route(s) of exposure: skin and/or lungs
Acute poisoning may present as:
(1) neurologic symptoms (headache, incoordination, paresthesias)
(2) gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea)
(3) respiratory symptoms (asthma, dyspnea, respiratory distress)
(4) other findings (ocular, dermal rash, etc)
Risk factors for intoxication:
(1) handling the strips without gloves (contact with bare skin)
(2) failure to immediately wash any exposed skin
(3) use in an area occupied by people for >= 4 hours per day
(4) intentional or accidental application of heat with excessive vapor release
(5) excessive application (use of multiple strips and/or use in a small area)
(6) failure to read or misunderstanding use instructions
(7) contact with food or beverage
(8) cutting the strip into smaller pieces
(9) placing strips in sealed bags to treat infested items
(10) not following instructions
People using the strips to treat items infested with bed bugs should follow instructions carefully.
