Most pesticide deaths in children and adults in the US are due to?

The highest incidence of pesticide deaths in children and adults in the US is primarily due to ingestion. This is because ingestion typically involves consuming pesticides either directly, through contaminated food or liquids, or indirectly, such as when children accidentally consume pesticides stored in household containers.

Inhalation, while a possible exposure route for certain pesticides, is less commonly reported as a leading cause of death compared to ingestion because the concentration of toxins required to cause acute fatality through inhalation is generally higher than what might be ingested. Similarly, absorption through the skin can lead to adverse effects and poisoning, but fatalities are much rarer. Injection is the least common route of exposure for pesticides and is generally not a route through which most fatalities occur.

Collectively, these details highlight why ingestion is seen as the most serious route for pesticide deaths, particularly among vulnerable populations like children. It emphasizes the necessity for education and preventive measures regarding the safe storage and usage of pesticides to minimize risks associated with ingestion.