My question deals with pesticide poisoning. In particular I would like more information on pyrethrum and its side effects.
I work for a food processing company and in August of 2002 they installed pyrethrum misters at several areas of the plant to kill flying insects. One of these is located at the foot of the stairs leading to the internal, poorly, ventilated office where I work. Within a few weeks of this I started having severe problems with my hay fever and asthma. Most of the defenders of this class of pesticides admit that these are common reactions. I saw my doctor and we became more aggressive I our treatment plan. This combined with cessation of the misting during the winter months allowed me to have a normal time.
From May to October of this year the misting was reinstated. My asthma prevention program enabled me to avoid any problems in this area, but I developed an entirely new problem. Beginning about July 1, I noticed a decreased libido and sexual disfunction. In September I started experience confusion, memory loss, irritability, nausea, and dizziness. About a week later I developed an extreme intolerance for heat and hot flashes.
Just before the last symptoms started I had my annual physical and mentioned some of my problems to my doctor. After a series of tests determined that I had low testosterone, and sperm count, I was diagnosed with hypogonadism and referred to an endocrinologists. I was able to see him two days before Thanksgiving and he ran more tests. He found that my testosterone and sperm count were all normal. Also by symptoms started disappearing in reverse order from that in which they had appeared.
From some reading on the internet, I believe that my exposure to pesticides created this problem. My endocrinologist agrees that it is a very strong possibility, but says we would never prove it.
At this time I have multi-faceted strategy in place and would appreciate any help you could give me. I want to present my company with reputable, scientific evidence that will put there use of these misters in question. I know the FAA recently banned the misting of aircraft because of passenger and crew reaction and have seen information on some cases of poisoning of food service workers by similar systems that were installed in kitchens. I would like to see them switch to other, more environmentally friendly systems to control insects. I have doubts if they will do this but I would hope to have ammunition for a work place accommodation, while I sought different employment. This information could also require them to deal with a known workplace safety hazard. Hopefully, this would be resolved before others in the workplace develop serious problems.
Here’s a link to the [MSDS](www.wmmg.com/pdf/msds/ secure%20Pyrethrum%20MTR%20MSDS.pdf) (Note: PDF).
This should give you a place to start from, anyway.
Have you tried wearing a serious filter mask on the job? They’re uncomfortable, and they make you look and sound like Darth Vader, but it beats getting sick for a living. If, after a few days in a filter mask, your symptoms get better, you’ll have evidence of the cause.