Two children in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, died after inhaling toxic fumes of rodenticide used by the pest control service at their home on Wednesday evening (November 13). Their parents, who inhaled the pesticide, were treated in a private hospital.

The tragic incident highlighted the dangers of pest control.

Let’s take a look.

What happened?

A six-year-old girl and her one-year-old brother died after inhaling rodenticide, the fumes of which spread into their room following pest control treatment at their home in Kundrathur. Times of India (TOI) report.

Giridharan, a 34-year-old bank employee, and his wife Pavithra, 31, were admitted to a private hospital in Porur and are expected to recover.

According to police, Giridharan had hired a pest control service to get rid of the mouse infestation in his flat. Company representatives placed chemicals in powder and tablet form all over the house on Wednesday evening.

“On Wednesday night the four of them went to sleep in one of the bedrooms where the chemicals were placed. They turned on the air conditioner of the room and went to sleep. Around 3 am on Thursday, Giridharan woke up restless and had difficulty breathing. “He called one of his friends and asked him to take the family to the hospital,” he said. New Indian Express (TNIE).

The family was taken to a nearby hospital. However, the children died before they could respond to treatment. The couple’s condition is stable.

“There appears to have been an overdose of chemicals in the air-conditioned closed room, causing toxic effects. A senior doctor said the children were vulnerable as their lungs were not fully developed. TOI.

Police suspect that the smell from the chemicals was not strong when the family was asleep, but developed throughout the night.

It was learned that an investigation was launched against 2 employees of the pest control company and the investigation is continuing. TNIE He contacted the police and reported it.

Pesticides and their types

A.
pesticide It is a chemical designed to kill, prevent or repel pests such as rodents, insects or plants.

There are several types of pesticides:

insecticides It is used to target insects and other arthropods. herbicides Kill weeds and other unwanted plants.

Rodenticides controlling mice and others
rodentsduring fungicides Kills fungi, mold and rust.

Dangers of pest control

Pests in homes include insects such as flies, cockroaches and mosquitoes, or rodents such as rats or mice.

To get rid of these pests, you can choose home pesticides or use pest control services.

It should be noted that all pesticides are poisonous. It may have side effects if used incorrectly and in large amounts. Chemicals are often harmful to human health and affect the environment.

Some pesticides, such as surface sprays or termite treatments, can persist in the environment for quite a long time.

If you breathe in, touch or swallow
mouse poison (rodenticide), symptoms may appear hours or even days after exposure. according to Very Good HealthThose exposed to rodenticide poisoning may experience headaches, internal bleeding, pain, chills, bleeding from the gums, nose or skin, convulsions and seizures.

A person who ingests rat poison may experience brain and liver damage, kidney failure, coma, and even death.

How to stay safe?

You should be careful when using pesticides yourself. Read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and use the product in accordance with the instructions, taking safety precautions. Better Health Channel.

Store pesticides in their original packaging and out of reach of children. Do not mix pesticides as this may increase toxicity. You should also wash your hands with soap and water after using the product.

Instead of using toxic chemicals, you can use other methods to repel pests such as rodents.

There are natural repellents to control pests. Mice do not like the smell of peppermint oil placed near their nesting areas. Vinegar is also a temporary solution to keep mice out of your home.

Mouse traps can be used with food as bait to catch rodents.

There are also ways to prevent rodents from entering your home.

Clean your home properly and make sure there is no food or packaging around. Leftover food should be disposed of in a tightly closed trash can.

Make sure any cracks in your walls, windows, roof and doors are completely sealed.

With input from agencies