The Pesticide Exposure, Safety and Tracking (PEST) program tracks and conducts investigations of health effects reported by people exposed to pesticides.
These reports help us to identify trends in acute pesticide poisonings and emerging pesticide hazards to guide education efforts for prevention and inform policymakers Learn more about the links between pesticides and public health from the NPIC.
Pesticide Poisoning
Pesticide Poisoning Is A Reportable Condition by Clinicians
Suspected or confirmed pesticide poisoning is a reportable condition* for healthcare providers and laboratories within 24 hours by either phone or fax.
Acute Pesticide Poisonings in Oregon
The PEST program conducted a basic descriptive analysis of acute pesticide poisonings from the reports the Oregon Public Health Division received from 2002 to 2007. The report discusses the 689 "likely" cases out of the 1038 cases reported. The CD Summary newsletter published by the Oregon Public Health Division printed an article highlighting the report, below.
Education and Outreach
Bed bugs Are Back: Were They Ever Gone?
Bed bugs are not known to transmit disease but they are a frusterating pest to deal with. It is hard but not impossible to get rid of bed bugs safely.
Learn more about them and the different strategies available to treat or prevent them in the links below.
Pesticide Related News
Bug Bombs Can Be Dangerous
Bug bombs, otherwise known as foggers, are cans of pesticides that spray out all at once. They are commonly used to kill fleas. Foggers can be a serious health, safety and fire hazard if too many are used or the directions aren't followed. They work as a broadcast spray leaving behind a residue on the surfaces the spray contacts. Understanding more about how foggers work is important. To be sure they are the most appropriate method for your pest situation learn more in the links below.
Removing Moss From Your Roof
In many parts of Oregon roof moss is commonplace. Every year health care providers contact Oregon Public Health to report symptoms of patients who use moss control pesticides. Moss control pesticides can wash off of the roof into areas where people, pets and wildlife might come into contact with them. Before you decide how you will remove moss from your roof check the information in the links below.
Dealing With Pests
Contact a local master gardener through the OSU Extension Service or speak to an expert at the National Pesticide Information Center to learn more about specific pests and how to manage or prevent them. The most effective and least toxic approach for controlling or preventing pests is Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Learn more in the links below.
