Toxic Effects of Frontline Tick Removal to Humans

Frontline Flea and Tick products are a chemical approach to removing fleas and ticks from your pets. The main ingredient in Frontline, known as fipronil, is specifically intended to have maximum impact on insects, while leaving humans and their pets unharmed when used correctly. However, if it used incorrectly or is accidentally ingested, humans can experience mild to serious effects.

  1. Skin Contact

    • It can be difficult when trying to place the treatment in the correct location on a dog or cat to avoid getting some of it on your hand. As a result, some people will experience a minor skin irritation and the site of the contact. To avoid this, wear disposable gloves when applying the treatment and dispose of these when you are done. If you do get some of the product on your skin, wash it off immediately.

    Ingestion

    • The ingestion of Frontline can have several effects, the severity of which will depend on the level of exposure (although for any amount of ingestion, immediate medical assistance should be sought). In humans, Frontline poisoning (and more specifically, fipronil poisoning) can result in nausea, vomiting and nervous agitation. In more serious cases, it can even lead to seizures.

    Cancer

    • Although the Environmental Protection Agency has no data based on human cancer studies, it lists fipronil as a possible carcinogen. It is unknown whether certain levels are safer than others, or whether skin exposure or ingestion are equally dangerous.