California Poison Control Launches First Ever Bilingual Digital Health Pesticide Safety Project
SAN FRANCISCO, June 18, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The California Poison Control System (CPCS), the largest single provider of poison control services in the country, today launched a ground breaking bilingual digital health project, the Pesticide Safety Project. For the first time, this program puts teaching tools in the hands of farm workers and community health professionals where they need them most—on their mobile devices.
Safety information is provided through narrative videos and encourages reporting of pesticide exposures for farm workers and others who may be exposed at work or in the home. Other videos explain how to reduce pesticides in the home by keeping pests out.
Funded by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation in collaboration with the Western Center for Agricultural Health and Safety at the University of California, Davis, the Pesticide Safety Project consists of a mobile-optimized website featuring five Spanish-language videos using cinematic storytelling to relay key messages along with illustrated tips and links to resources. There are also 30 second public service announcements detailing tips.
Insights from research with farm workers and promotores (community members who receive specialized training to provide basic health education in the community) guided the decision to create mobile-first, visually-rich tools and compelling how-to videos.
"We learned from farm workers and promotores about their heavy reliance on mobile devices. For many farm workers, mobile phones are their sole gateway to the Internet. Community health workers asked for tools that they could use on their cell phones rather than carrying heavy printed materials," said Iana Simeonov, project lead and director of program development at the CPCS.
Simeonov added that for farm workers' health and the health of their families, it's important that they protect themselves. If a farm worker comes in contact with a pesticide or is showing signs and symptoms of being exposed to pesticides at work, it is critical to notify their employer who must provide them with medical attention immediately. If a farm worker needs more help reporting a possible pesticide exposure, he or she can contact the local County Agricultural Commissioner's office or the Department of Pesticide Regulation's Pest Line at 1-877-378-5463.
Simeonov said, "Pesticides can be dangerous if they get in or on the body; how dangerous depends on the type of pesticide, the amount and length of exposure. It's important to know that you can report pesticide problems or possible misuse without giving your name. Make sure to have the name of the county where the exposure occurred." To report pesticide problems or misuse in California, call the California Department of Regulation's Pest Line at 1-877-378-5463. Across the U.S., pesticide exposures can also be reported to the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) at 1-800-858-7378.
For help and information on any type of poison exposure, call California Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. For more information about how you can prevent pesticide exposure, visit www.thesafetyofyourfamily.com.
About California Poison Control
CPCS is dedicated to providing California's residents with the most up-to-date information regarding poisoning. In case of an accidental poisoning, consumers should immediately call 1-800-222-1222 for advice. Pharmacists, nurses, physician-toxicologists and poison information providers are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and help is available in more than 100 languages. Weekly tips about home and family safety are available by texting TIPS to 69866. Follow CPCS on Facebook at California Poison Control and on Twitter @poisoninfo.
SOURCE California Poison Control
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