If a person has ingested pesticides, what should you do if they have not swallowed it?

The appropriate action to take if a person has ingested pesticides but has not swallowed them is to rinse their mouth and drink water. Rinsing the mouth helps to remove any remaining pesticide residue from the oral cavity, which can potentially reduce further absorption or exposure. Drinking water can also help dilute any pesticides that may have been swallowed inadvertently, minimizing the harmful effects.

It is important to note that inducing vomiting is not recommended in most poisoning cases, especially without medical guidance, as it can lead to additional risks such as aspiration of the substance into the lungs. Confirming whether the person has swallowed the pesticide is an important step in assessing the situation but does not provide any immediate help. While calling for medical assistance is crucial in cases of poisoning, it is best done after ensuring that the immediate risks are managed. Rinsing the mouth and drinking water provides first aid that may be critical in mitigating the harmful effects of pesticide ingestion.