North Carolina Pesticide Application Practice Test

What signifies severe pesticide exposure?

1. Fatigue and headache

2. Nausea and dizziness

3. Drooling and muscle twitching

4. Lightheadedness and thirst

The correct answer is: Drooling and muscle twitching

Severe pesticide exposure is indicated by symptoms that are more pronounced and potentially life-threatening. Drooling and muscle twitching are physical manifestations often associated with acute toxicity from certain pesticides, particularly organophosphates and carbamates. These chemicals can affect the nervous system, leading to disruptions in normal muscle function and secretion processes in the body. In contrast, symptoms like fatigue, headache, nausea, and lightheadedness may signal milder or more common forms of chemical exposure or stress but are not exclusively indicative of severe exposure. Muscle twitching suggests a neurological impairment, which elevates the concern for health risks associated with high levels of pesticide exposure. Recognizing these critical signs is essential for immediate medical intervention to prevent further health complications.