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First Aid
Poison Information Centres
(
Alberta) 1-800-332-1414
(
Calgary only) 944-1414
The emergency department of most hospitals can deal
with pesticide poisoning. However, the Poison Centre
in Calgary can provide information on recognizing
poisoning symptoms and in giving the right
treatment. It offers a 24-hour toll free service.
Some manufacturers have emergency telephone
numbers to call in case of pesticide poisoning.
BASF Canada
1-800-454-2673
Bayer CropScience Inc.
Prosar
1-800-334-7577
Dow AgroSciences Canada Inc.
1-613-996-6666
DuPont Canada Inc.
1-613-348-3616
Monsanto Canada Inc.
1-314-694-1000
or 1-800-332-3111
Nufarm Canada
1-877-325-1840
Syngenta Crop Protection Canada Inc.
1-800-327-8633
UAP Canada
1-800-561-8273
Interprovincial Cooperative Ltd.
1-613-996-6666
Standard First Aid Measures
Before using a pesticide, look for the warning symbol
on the label. This label indicates the toxicity of the
pesticide. If you are severely exposed to a pesticide
and you are alone, do not panic. The symptoms of
the pesticide do not show up immediately. You will
have some time to decontaminate yourself.
If in eyes
Wash eyes with water at once. Hold the eyelids
open and wash eyes for at least 15 minutes with
fresh water each time. Get help to take you to the
emergency department of the nearest hospital and
take the labelled container with you. Do not use any
eye medication unless prescribed by a doctor.
If on skin
Get any spilled pesticide off your body immediately.
If the pesticide is on your clothes, remove them and
rinse your skin with water. After rinsing, wash the
area with soap and water. Obtain medical attention
if area of contact is large or if irritation persists.
If swallowed
If swallowed: Have the person sip a glass of water
if able to swallow. Do not induce vomiting unless told
to do so by a poison control centre or doctor. Do not
give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
If the product contains a petroleum distillate:
If swallowed: Call a poison control centre or
doctor immediately for treatment advice. Do not
induce vomiting unless told to do so by a poison
control centre or doctor. Do not give any liquid to
the person. Do not give anything by mouth to an
unconscious person.
If inhaled: Move person to fresh air. If person is not
breathing, call 911 or an ambulance, then give
artificial respiration, preferably by mouth-to-mouth, if
possible.