children’s hands. Results indicated that six agricultural and eleven residential pesti-
cides were found in the homes, with agricultural, residential, or both pesticides pres-
ent in 95 percent of homes sampled. In general, residential pesticides were more
commonly found. The presence of both types of pesticides on floors was positively
associated with detection on toys or hands. Agricultural pesticide detection was asso-
ciated with housing adjacent to agricultural fields. Residential pesticide detection was
associated with houses judged difficult to clean.^19
Dangers of Using Farm Pesticides in Homes
Some pesticides are formulated differently for farm use and homeowner use, yet
they often have the same trade name. Examples include 2,4-D, Roundup, and diazi-
non. Homeowners may be tempted to use a small amount of a farm-formulated
product in the home, thinking that it is the same material as the homeowner product,
only cheaper. Although the active ingredient may be the same, the two products are
different. Pesticides formulated for use on crop pests include inert ingredients to help
carry the product into crop areas. These inert ingredients can cause problems on
some vegetation growing in a home environment, and can present health risks for
people who have excessive contact with the material applied around the home. Typi-
cally, farm pesticides are more concentrated than home products with the same active
ingredients. They haven’t been tested for persistence, potential for damage to plants
likely to be grown around the home, or for home applicator safety. Using any pesti-
cide in a situation that is not provided for on its label is illegal.^20
Termite Control Hazards
The most common, unseen, and hidden poisons are pesticides used for termite con-
trol (before and after construction) or interior pest control, and pesticides used in gar-
dens or on lawns where contaminated soil can be tracked into the home. Many
termiticides could have been applied a decade or more earlier. Frequently, a new crack
in the foundation, recent water damage, a recent termite infestation, or a termite inspec-
tion with repeated treatment can cause the release of a termite pesticide from the soil or
holes into the indoor environment of the home. There may have been a misapplication
ofthepesticide,suchasusingtoomuchorspillingit.Afamilymaymoveintosucha
treated house without any information or records provided by the seller, the bank, the
real estate agent, or the real estate attorney. It should be noted that revealing information
about termite applications is not required by law, but is sometimes by banks and finan-
cial institutions to protect their claim on the property.^21
Factors Involved in Health Risks
Since the main ingredients in pesticides can be organic, they can affect vision and
memory. Health effects resulting from pesticide exposure are dependent on specific
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