Oregon law* requires healthcare providers & laboratories to report all suspected and confirmed pesticide-related diagnoses within 24 hours by either phone or fax:

Telephone: Call DHS-PHD-PEST Program: 971-673-0400 (M-F, 8-5), or Your Local Health Department

Fax: Send medical records with patient's contact information to DHS-PHD-PEST Program at 971-673-0979 (24hrs/day, 7days/wk).

*For medical confidentiality information, see Oregon Administrative Rules (OARS) for Disease Reporting & PEST's page for Healthcare Providers

PEST published findings from an analysis of cases of acute pesticide poisoning, reported to PEST from 2002 through 2007 in the publication CD Summary, which is distributed by the Oregon Public Health Division every two weeks to over 15,000 people.

Bug bombs, also called insect foggers, are cans of pesticides that spray out all at once. They are used to kill pests, such as cock roaches and fleas. Foggers can be a serious health and safety hazard if you use too many or don't follow the directions.

Simple steps you can take at home to avoid the errors thought to be behind the majority of known acute pesticide poisonings in Oregon.