AAP News Vol. 13 No. 9 September 1997, p. 11
© 1997 American Academy of Pediatrics
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Misuse of pesticide can complicate health of children with asthma

Lynn R. Goldman M.D., M.P.H., FAAP and Kimberly Gehle M.D.

Cockroaches are known to contribute to children's asthma, yet, in trying to control roaches and other pests, families sometimes use substances that aggravate asthma. One of these is methyl parathion.

The substance is an agricultural pesticide and has been used illegally in homes, apartments and child care centers.

Requiring stringent safety controls, methyl parathion is an organophosphate cholinesterase-inhibiting) insecticide for use on agricultural crops outdoors.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been working with state and local officials to apprehend illegal operators who have sold methyl parathion to unsuspecting families in many parts of the United States to control cockroaches indoors.

Exposure to methyl parathion can occur by ingestion, inhalation and/or skin contact. Children and infants are more susceptible because they: