What BC Poison Control does
The BC Poison Control Centre (BC PCC) at BC Children's Hospital provides 24-hour emergency consultation for all poisoning and toxic exposure incidents in British Columbia. This includes pesticide exposures — both professional pest control products and consumer pest products. BC PCC specialists are toxicologists and clinical pharmacists trained in exposure assessment and emergency management. When you call, they assess the severity of the exposure based on the product, dose, route (ingested, inhaled, dermal), and the affected person's weight and health status. They advise whether emergency care is needed, what symptoms to watch for, and what first-aid steps to take while waiting. BC PCC does not replace emergency services (911) for life-threatening symptoms — if someone is unconscious, having difficulty breathing, or seizing, call 911 first. BC PCC handles the toxicological consultation that informs treatment, but the ER manages acute life-threatening presentations.
When to call BC Poison Control
- Any suspected pesticide ingestion — human or pet. Even if you're not sure the product is toxic, call. Time matters for antidote administration (especially anticoagulant rodenticides).
- Significant skin or eye exposure — especially if the product has a WARNING or DANGER signal word. Flush immediately with water, then call.
- Breathing difficulty or chest tightness after indoor pest treatment — particularly for aerosol or fumigant products.
- Child touches treated surface and puts hand in mouth during or after the REI.
- Pet acting abnormally after pest treatment or after finding a dead rodent.
- You're not sure whether the exposure is significant — call and let the specialist decide.
What to have ready when you call
- Product name — the brand name of the pest product (e.g., 'Suspend SC').
- Active ingredient — the chemical name and concentration (e.g., 'deltamethrin 4.75%'). Found on the product label.
- PMRA registration number — if you have the label, this is the fastest route to full toxicological data.
- How exposure occurred — ingested, skin contact, inhaled, eye exposure.
- Approximate amount — how much product was contacted or ingested. Even a rough estimate helps.
- Time of exposure — when it happened.
- Person's weight and age — for dose calculation.
- Current symptoms — what the person is experiencing right now.
Responding to pesticide exposure — step by step
Immediate first-aid steps while getting professional help.
- 1Ensure scene safetyIf the exposure is ongoing (active application, enclosed space), move the affected person to fresh air first. Don't enter a space where a professional fumigant is being applied without protective equipment.
- 2First aid by routeSkin/eye: flush immediately with running water for 15–20 minutes. Remove contaminated clothing. Inhalation: fresh air immediately; loosen tight clothing. Ingestion: do NOT induce vomiting unless specifically instructed by BC Poison Control — some pesticides cause more harm if re-aspirated.
- 3Call BC Poison Control: 1-800-567-8911Available 24/7. Have product name, active ingredient, exposure route, and amount ready. The specialist will assess severity and advise on whether ER is needed.
- 4Get the product detail from Wild Pest if neededIf a professional pest company treated your home, call them for the exact product name and registration number. Wild Pest records every product used per job. Our direct line: (604) 260-3444.
- 5Follow BC Poison Control's instructionsThe specialist will advise on observation at home, urgent care, or ER. Follow their guidance exactly — do not second-guess with general internet searches.
Anticoagulant rodenticide: the time-sensitive case
Anticoagulant rodenticide exposure (warfarin, chlorophacinone, diphacinone) is the pest control emergency where time matters most. Anticoagulants work by depleting vitamin K-dependent clotting factors over several days. Symptoms (easy bruising, bleeding gums, blood in urine) often don't appear until 3–5 days after ingestion. The antidote — vitamin K1 (phytomenadione) — is highly effective when given before symptoms develop. If your child or pet is suspected to have ingested rodenticide, call BC Poison Control and your vet or ER immediately — even if the child or pet seems fine. The absence of symptoms in the first 24 hours does not mean the exposure was harmless. Wild Pest records exactly what rodenticide product was used (and the active ingredient class) per job. This detail is essential for BC Poison Control and for the treating physician or veterinarian. Call us at (604) 260-3444 for this information immediately if needed.