Pesticide Exposure among Agricultural Workers
Agriculture is a very important part of Iowa’s economy; about 90% of the land in our state is devoted to this trade. Many people enjoy working with crops and livestock, but this type of work is not without its dangers. One risk faced by many agriculture workers is the health risk associated with repeated exposure to common pesticides.
If you have been injured by pesticide use at work, you should be able to receive compensation for medical bills and lost wages. Unfortunately this is not always easy. If you have been struggling to get the compensation you need, contact the Des Moines workers’ compensation lawyers of LaMarca & Landry, P.C. at 877-327-2600.
Acute Pesticide Exposure
Acute exposure occurs when a person is exposed to a dangerous amount of pesticide, for example by being accidentally sprayed. Symptoms are usually immediate. The affected person may experience
- Pain in the exposed area
- Breathing problems
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Convulsions
To prevent this kind of injury, agricultural employers need to provide their workers with safety gear such as gloves and masks, as well as information about protecting themselves. If your employer has failed to take these basic precautions, a Des Moines workplace injury attorney can help you correct the problem.
Chronic Pesticide Exposure
Chronic exposure occurs when a person is repeatedly exposed to low levels of pesticide, usually over the course of many years. Symptoms may not begin to develop until later in life, perhaps even after the person has retired. Unfortunately, this can make it very difficult to link your health problems to their original cause.
Long-term conditions that can be associated with chronic pesticide exposure include: certain kinds of cancer, fertility problems, neurological damage, birth defects, respiratory disorders, and anemia. It is very important for employers who use pesticides to educate workers about these risks and the best ways to minimize them.
Contact Us
If you or a loved one has suffered acute or chronic pesticide exposure at work, you could have grounds for a workers’ compensation claim. To discuss your options with a knowledgeable Des Moines agricultural workers’ compensation lawyer, contact LaMarca & Landry, P.C. at 877-327-2600.
