Most pesticides on the market today came from nerve gas research developed during World War II. The intention is poisoning the nervous system of pests supposedly at levels low enough that humans are not affected. Cumulative effects of pesticides are well documented throughout the food chain and are known to be contributing factors in many health issues such as Autism, ADHD, Parkinson’s, Gulf War Illness, Infertility, Cancer, etc.
Using Greenbug instead of these dangerous chemicals will avoid all these inherent risks. As we will always have pests, it is up to the consumer to choose an effective AND safe alternative.
Below is a listing of the most common ingredients used in the pesticides for humans and pets to use in their homes. Under each chemical name is information from various agencies as to toxicity levels, characteristics of exposure, and any other information relevant to the safety of each. All information was taken from Manufacturers Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) publications or other relevant sources which are accordingly identified.
CHLORPYRIFOS – trade names of Dursban, Malathion, Diazinon, plus many others
This was the number one used pesticide within American homes at one time but was supposedly ‘phased out’ by the EPA per their press release dated June 8, 2000. It is approved for and widely used in the United States in agriculture and still available to the consumer. Classified by the EPA as “An immediate health hazard” as well as “A delayed health hazard”, it is known to be ‘very highly toxic to aquatic organisms on an acute basis’ and ‘highly toxic to birds on a dietary basis’. Studies conducted by the EPA show that children exposed to this chemical while in the womb have remarkably higher rates of ADHD and significantly reduced IQ and learning capabilities. Symptoms of overexposure range from mild – increased saliva, tears, sweating, headache, nausea and dizziness; to moderate – vomiting, muscle twitching, tremors and loss of coordination, blurred vision and diarrhea; to severe – unconsciousness, loss of bladder and bowel control, respiratory distress, convulsions, paralysis and death. In 2003, Dow Chemical (the manufacturer) was required to pay a $2 million fine for willfully withholding information on 249 cases of Chlorpyrifos poisonings.
CYPROCONAZOLE – used in Sentinel, a pest control for pets
Per the EPA, cyproconazole is a known carcinogen. Classified in the category of Acute Health Hazard, it is also a possible groundwater contaminant, an endocrine disrupter (affects hormone and thyroid function) and a reproductive toxin. In reference to cyproconazole, California Proposition 65 includes the following warning: “This product is known to the state of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.”
Cyproconazole is listed as having Acute Toxicity. It is a skin and eye irritant and caution must be taken when handling. If exposed to high temperatures, it may decompose to gas and create toxic fumes. Cyproconazole is toxic to all fish.
DEET – used in many human pesticide products
According to the National Pesticide Information Center, sponsored cooperatively by Oregon State University and the EPA, “scientists do not know exactly how DEET works”. It clearly states, however, that human exposure to DEET can cause eye irritation, pain and watering; skin irritation such redness, rash and swelling; stomach upset, vomiting and nausea; and can lead to seizures. Studies on animals showed irregular heartbeat and blood pressure problems and US soldiers have had severe dermatological and subsequent neurological effects using DEET contributing to the Gulf War Illness. Per the Annals of Internal Medicine, numerous studies indicate absorption of DEET through the skin is up to 56% of the applied dose.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Committee on Environmental Health has issued these warnings for using DEET:
· DO NOT use on children under 2 months of age
· DO NOT use a product that combines DEET with a sunscreen as it may increase the potential toxic effects
· DO NOT apply on skin under clothing
· DO NOT use DEET on the hands of young children
· DO NOT apply DEET around the eyes or mouth
· DO NOT use DEET over cuts, wounds or irritated skin
· DO NOT use DEET near food
· DO NOT spray DEET in enclosed areas
· Apply sparingly using the lowest concentration effective
· Wash all treated areas with soap and water as soon as returning indoors
· Wash all treated clothing
DELTAMETHRIN – used for home pest control products
Deltamethrin is a pyrethroid (such as permethrin) that is classified as moderately hazardous by the World Health Organization (WHO). It is banned in some countries due to the high toxicity to amphibians, fish, insects and the important zooplankton in the food chain.
Physical symptoms of exposure include abnormal facial sensations and swelling such as tingling, prickling and numbness. It also causes irritability to sound and touch, headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivation and fatigue. At high exposure rates, accumulations of fluid in the lungs and seizures have occurred.
FIPRONIL – used in Spot Drop Treatments for animals
Fipronil is listed by the EPA as moderate for acute toxicity, a possible carcinogen, a suspected endocrine disrupter (it affects hormonal systems) and as a potential water contaminant. There have been limited studies that show decreased fertility and multiple thyroid issues due to exposure to Fipronil. Exposure symptoms include sweating, nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness and seizures,
IMIDACLOPRID – used in Cat Flea Powders and garden insecticides
Imidacloprid is suspected as the main cause of “colony collapse” disorder that has killed millions of honeybees worldwide. Due to the toxicity levels, the EPA requires ‘Warning” or “Caution” to be clearly marked on the labels of any product containing imidacloprid. Exposure causes fatigue, twitching, cramps and muscle weakness including the muscles necessary for breathing. It also causes liver and thyroid stress and is a potential groundwater contaminant.
PERMETHRIN – a commonly used pesticide in many consumer products
Permethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid and derivative of pyrethrum, is a common active ingredient in many insecticides. It is a neurotoxin. Symptoms of exposure include tremors, lack of coordination, elevated body temperature, increased aggressive behavior and disruption of learning. Permethrins mode of action is similar to that of DDT. The EPA has classified permethrin as a known carcinogen.
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), a division of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) under the direction of the EPA creates a National Priorities List (NPL) updated every two years. The NPL lists all known hazardous substances, pollutants or contaminants, in ranked order of concern, that threaten the health and welfare of humans and the environment. Number 232 on that list is pyrethrum.
It is highly toxic to honeybees (also clearly identified with Colony Collapse Disorder for honey bees), all beneficial insects, fish, aquatic insects, shrimp and oysters. However, numerous pest insects have developed resistance to permethrin so effective dosage levels are increasing with less effective pest control. Permethrin is undeniably identified as a causal factor in the Gulf War Illness.
PICARIDIN – Used in Human Insect repellents
Picaridin is the active ingredient in certain insect repellents. Per the EPA, it is classified as Toxicity Category IV for acute inhalation toxicity and primary dermal irritation. It is classified as Toxicity Category III for acute oral, dermal, and primary eye irritation. Long term exposure has proven to affect kidney and liver function.
Although the toxicity levels are not as high as some other options, various consumer opinions and research data indicate Picaridin is not consistently effective as it only repels.
PROPOXUR – Used extensively in Flea Collars and home and garden products
This is classified as a cholinesterase inhibitor meaning it breaks down the communication between nerves and muscles. Organophosphates are also cholinesterase inhibitors and have been banned throughout Europe. Per the EPA, propoxur is listed in the category of Acute Health Hazard.
Blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, sweating and irregular heartbeat can occur immediately after exposure and long-term effects include damage to the liver and bladder, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, tremors, staggering gait, abnormally low blood pressure and difficulty breathing. Propoxur is toxic to all fish and wildlife.
PYRETHRUM – Used in numerous products for animals, foggers, humans, etc.
Pyrethrum is a neurotoxin derived from the Chrysanthemum plant. Many products claiming pyrethrum are in fact synthetic pyrethroids. This is a non-selective pesticide meaning it is uniformly toxic to all species including beneficial creatures. Pyrethrum causes neuro toxicity that leads to death. A significant issue with pyrethrum and pyrethroids is they are often used with a toxic carrier known as PBO, or Piperonyl Butoxide which has been shown to cause reproductive effects of miscarriage, late fetal deaths and limb deformities. See Permethrin.
Conclusion:
These are some of the most common active ingredients available for consumer purchase on the market today. This list does not include agricultural pesticides or restricted use pesticides available only to licensed pesticide applicators. It is a safe assumption that products available for consumers are the least toxic available so after reading these health concerns, imagine what is being sprayed on our crops, in our schools, in businesses, etc. that we are not aware of. Increased incidences of disease and neurological issues is undeniably linked to the cumulative and acute exposures to pesticides. Children are especially vulnerable.
Let the buyer beware. It is up to each of us to take responsibility for our own health and to avoid these toxins, poisons and carcinogens at all costs. That is the beauty of Greenbug products – they work AND they are safe so we can control pests without poisoning ourselves and the environment. Go to http://www.greenbugallnatural.com for more information.
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