Pesticides Birth Defects

Pesticides and insecticides both contain toxic chemicals that, with significant exposure during pregnancy, can cause miscarriage, preterm delivery, and severe birth defects. While high levels of exposure to pesticides significantly increase the risk of pesticide birth defects, all pesticides are to a certain extent poisonous and thus potentially harmful to the developing fetus. This is even true of pesticides labeled natural or organic – terms that do not necessarily mean safer or better despite the fact that they may sound healthier. Natural chemicals too can cause pesticide birth defects with considerable exposure or when improperly handled.

When Do Pesticide Birth Defects Occur?

An unborn fetus is especially susceptible to developing a pesticide birth defect during the first trimester, particularly in the first three to eight weeks of pregnancy. However, a pesticide birth defect can potentially occur at any point during the pregnancy.

Common pesticide birth defects include the following:

Oral clefts
Neural tube defects
Heart defects
Limb defects

Pesticide Birth Defects and Pesticide Exposure

A pregnant woman can be exposed to pesticides through household gardening products, common spray pesticides, and proximity to an agricultural area. The insect repellant DEET (diethyltoluamide) is also suspected of increasing the risk of pesticide birth defects, although the risk has yet to be fully assessed.

Generally, the greater the amount of pesticide exposure during pregnancy, the greater the risks of having a baby with a pesticide birth defect. Pregnant women who live near agricultural or other areas where pesticides are frequently used are advised to remove themselves to avoid exposure to toxic chemicals that cause birth defects. The following are additional tips for reducing the risk of pesticide birth defects during pregnancy:

Never apply pesticides yourself and leave the area when the pesticide is applied
Remove food and utensils from area where pesticide is going to be sprayed
Open windows and allow the house to ventilate after the pesticide treatment is completed
Wear rubber gloves and other protective clothing when gardening to prevent contact with pesticides

Pregnant women should try to avoid all pesticides whenever possible. Pregnant women who are concerned about pesticide exposure should consult with a physician or the local poison control center immediately to learn more about birth defect causes and birth defect prevention.

Contacting a Birth Defect Attorney

If your baby was born with a pesticide birth defect, you may be entitled to seek compensation for your losses and suffering. Please contact us today to speak with an experienced birth defect attorney FREE of charge.

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Pesticides Birth Defects

When Do Pesticide Birth Defects Occur?

Pesticide Birth Defects and Pesticide Exposure

Contacting a Birth Defect Attorney

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