PVCC Puma Press: March 2004

When was the last time you saw a family member or friend spraying poison over their household property? If you have, chances are they didn't intend any harm to family members, neighbors or pets.

Nevertheless, opponents of chemical pesticides say spreading poison in homes and on yards is essentially what people are doing do every time they invite exterminators to spray for pests and insects.

The chemicals used in household pesticides are toxic and "can be dangerous or pose health risks" when improperly administered, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

The EPA says most pesticides are neurotoxins, which affect the nervous systems of insects causing paralysis and death. The EPA is not the only agency that has voiced concerns over the use of urban pesticides.

Other Agencies like The National Academy of Sciences recently released a report which says, "exposure to neurotoxic compounds (commonly used in urban pesticides) at levels believed to be safe for adults could result in permanent loss of brain function if it (exposure to neurotoxins) occurred during the prenatal and early childhood period of brain development.

"The National Cancer Institute has documented that some childhood cancers have been increasing at rates of nearly one percent per year for the past several decades. Some of that increase may be attributable to urban pesticide use."

Bruce Lofquist of The International Institute of Concern for Public Health says in his article from the winter of 2002 for the Institute:

"When it comes to chemical exposures, children are not 'little adults.' In fact, they are uniquely vulnerable to the hazards of pesticides. Children tend to be more exposed to toxics such as pesticides because they drink more, eat more, and breathe more, proportionately, than adults. Children are also less able to metabolize and excrete most toxic substances and their organ systems are more vulnerable because they are rapidly growing and developing. Furthermore, children are more vulnerable on account of inadequacies in the regulatory process of setting standards and registering pesticides. The majority of pesticides (and other toxic substances) in commercial use today were evaluated based on tests pf hypothetical healthy 70-kg adult males and not the 7-kg child, or the less-than-14-gram embryo."

Lofquist also says that "cosmetic pesticides" (pesticides used in residential homes to repel insects) are increasingly suspected as a cause of cancer.

These facts indicate that chemical pesticides may indeed pose potential health risks to humans and pets.

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When it comes to chemical exposures, children are not 'little adults.' In fact, they are uniquely vulnerable to the hazards of pesticides.
—Bruce Lofquis The International Institute of Concern for Public Health
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Lisa Gervase, executive director for the Arizona Structural Pest Control Commission, at 9535 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd. in Scottsdale, Arizona, says, "The state strictly regulates" the chemicals used by "applicators" and the companies they work for. She adds, "We perform regular inspections of the equipment, trucks, storage facilities for the chemicals, to insure that all parties are in compliance with the law."

However, as Gervase points out, the state cannot regulate whether do-it-yourselfers use pesticides as recommended. She says, "The most important thing people need to do is to read the labels and follow the directions to the letter."

When choosing a pest control company, Gervase says to ask to see the company's license before signing any contract. It is against the law for unlicensed persons to operate as applicators in Arizona.

She says, "We have a three-tiered system, first a licensed, qualifying representative (someone with a business license) must apply for a 'Structural Pest Control

License.' Then all applicators must apply for and meet the requirements for an 'Applicators License.'"

Gervase says, "The state does not give any advice as to how often a home needs to be sprayed for pests or to recommend what chemicals to use." She says that the

EPA maintains a web site, which provides links to answer virtually any question consumers and homeowners might have.

There are safe, natural and environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional chemical pesticides. Gervase says, "Arizona advocates what is called IPM, or Integrated Pest Management."

"IPM is designed to control pests before they have a chance to enter the home," says Gervase. She says that by "not encouraging pests to come into the home the need for spraying is greatly reduced."

Gervase says that the state maintains a very comprehensive website, which provides links to the EPA and other sites to answer questions. This site can be found at www.sb.state.az.us.

In recent years, a movement among environmentalists has worked to raise awareness of what are known as biopesticides.

According to the EPA, "Biopesticides are certain types of pesticides derived from such natural materials as animals, plants, bacteria and certain minerals. For example, canola oil and baking soda have pesticidal applications and are considered biopesticides."

The EPA cites the fact that biopesticides break down more easily than chemical pesticides while not giving off harmful vapors or leaving toxic residue that could be ingested by pets and children.

Coriander can be used to repel spider mites. Garlic is also an effective insecticide and is useful in fungus control.

Herbal insecticides can be made by steeping herbs in boiling water and adding a little soft soap to the mixture. Spray the mixture along baseboards and in corners and anywhere insects can enter the house.

Marigolds planted in the yard help repel common yard insects.

Using a hose-end sprayer, fill with one cup of liquid dish soap and the rest with water and spray on grass to repel insects.