Is it a problem to have inhaled pesticide fumes all night?

Generally, for normal individuals in an environment with low-dose pesticide spraying, inhaling pesticide fumes overnight will not usually cause bodily discomfort or abnormalities and is generally not a serious concern. A detailed explanation is as follows:

Commonly sold household insecticides mainly contain ingredients such as allethrin, permethrin, and chlorpyrifos. These components are toxic to the human nervous system, but their toxicity is relatively weak. If one remains in a well-ventilated environment where low-dose pesticide spraying has occurred throughout the night, serious poisoning reactions typically will not occur.

However, if the pesticide formulation has a high concentration and the environment is relatively enclosed, prolonged inhalation may cause respiratory damage, leading to symptoms such as coughing, phlegm production, wheezing, and sneezing. In severe cases, it may even cause difficulty breathing. Additionally, excessive inhalation may damage the nervous system, digestive system, skin and mucous membranes, and hematopoietic system.

To prevent harm from insecticides to humans, occupants should evacuate the premises before application, especially sensitive groups such as children and the elderly. Protective measures such as wearing masks and goggles should be taken during application to avoid direct contact with the insecticide. After application, windows should be promptly opened for ventilation to promote air circulation and reduce the concentration of insecticides in the air. Insecticides should also be stored out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion or inhalation.