Pesticides
NYSUT Occupational Health and Safety Field Directory.

Pesticides are poisons made to kill many types of plants and animals. A pesticide can be an insecticide (for bugs), an herbicide (for plants), or a fungicide (for mold). They are often used at home and at work. Exposure to pesticides can cause headaches, dizziness, stomachache, vomiting, muscle pain, cramps, and skin rashes. Long-term exposure to many pesticides is suspected or known to cause cancer, birth defects, damage to the nervous system, or other health problems. The following government agencies and organizations can help you with workplace pesticide exposure problems:

• National Pesticides Telecommunications Network. 800-858-PEST - 24-hour information.

• New York State Pesticide Poisoning Registry. 800-322-6850 - all human pesticide poisonings must be reported to this registry.

• New York State Dept. of Environmental Conservation, Pesticide Management Bureau. 50 Wolf Road, Albany NY 12233. 518- 457-7842.

• National Coalition Against Misuse of Pesticides. 701 E Street, Washington DC 20003. 202-543-5450.

• New York Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides. 33 Central Avenue, Albany NY 12210. 518-426-8246.