If the label calls for 1 ounce – 2 has got to be better. If the label says to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – ohhhh wait you didn’t read the label! The time to understand or know the label is before you have an emergency.
How many of us, used a pesticide and never read the label. I’m ready to bet, a whole lot of us.
Here are some statistics on where pesticides fit into 2012 poisonings:
I have to give Kudo’s to my industry on staying ahead of the curve, the National Pest Management Association has a Online Program that addresses the new and upcoming technology and updated news. They produced a program a year or so ago on Bed Bugs and have just brought forth a update from OSHA to the change of the (MSDS) Material Safety Data Sheet to the (SDS) or Safety Data Sheets.
The Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) is now aligned with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). This update to the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) will provide a common and coherent approach to classifying chemicals and communicating hazard information on labels and safety data sheets.
Bang! Up goes the house… Bug bombs are not toys!
So if a 1/2 ounce of bug stuff kills bugs then 1 ounce has to be better, right? That’s what many people believe and guess what – they would be wrong and sometimes it can cost you BIG! A woman in Ludlow, ME found out the hard way “Pest Control Bombs Blamed for House Fire“. Check out some older stories from the ProBest Blog on what happens when you use a product incorrectly “Boom, goes another house!” and “The Top Least Effective Ways to Kill Bed Bugs“.
Always read and understand Labels, MSDS and product directions. The time to know is before you use them.
Boom, goes another house!
The fire captain suggested a few simple tips, to prevent the devastation of losing a home to fire, and/or an explosion in an attempt to rid the home of bugs.
#• Carefully read the product label first. Product labels provide information on how to use the product safely. Ask for help if you have trouble understanding the instructions.
#• Turn off all possible ignition sources when using bug bombs. This includes stoves, heaters, and water heaters that have pilot lights. Be sure to turn off all electrical appliances that may generate heat or sparks.
#• Use only the number of foggers you need for the area you want to treat. You will find that information in the directions. Using more than the recommended number does not eliminate pests faster.
#• Reduce the need for chemical pesticides. Follow Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices to keep pests away (cover garbage, keep food in plastic containers, keep house clean, etc.).
#• Contact a commercial applicator to control the presence of pests if you are experiencing a severe infestation.
Illegal pesticides sold in NY.
There are some laws that make sense and should be enforced to the highest degree. This one caught my attention because of this sentence –
The authorities determined that the liquid contained nearly 61 times the amount of brodifacoum, a powerful rodent killer, permitted by the E.P.A. The substance is an anticoagulant, causing internal bleeding in rodents. The chemical is so dangerous, officials said, that its use is illegal in urban areas unless licensed professionals wearing protective gear apply it.
in the article by Colin Moynihan of the http://www.nytimes.com
“Man Admits Selling Illegal and Dangerous Pesticides“
Another article to justify my concern of DIY Bed Bug treatment!
I have written numerous times concerning the use of bug bombs, kerosene or even pesticides as a tool to eradicate pests. With all these tools we must take responsibility for the safe use and follow the use directions and labeling. It is very important to everyone for the safety of their families and neighbors. Often times problems may arise from the use of a pesticide and catastrophes may spiral out of control. Health risk can be associated with the improper use of pesticides no matter the good intentions.
You must follow all Label, SDS and directions of use with each pesticide. The failure to follow these simple recommendations may lead to your safety, those of your family, those of your pests and possibly neighbors. I constantly hear about fire, overuse of aerosols, mothballs just thrown throughout the house or DE (Diatomaceous earth). Most aerosols clearly talk about the size of the room and you just have to trust the chemical manufactures who produce this pesticide that it works at label recommendations.
One of my favorite stories is when I go to a house for the first time and I see white powder all around the home. Products like dust are to be applied into cracks and crevices, not spread everywhere were they may come into contact with children and or pets. Many products like mothballs are supposed to be in areas where you shouldn’t breath it in on a daily basis, hidden away in a closet properly sealed with door frame and bottom sweeps. All this with the intent of not breathing in pesticide fumes.
“Bedbug Treatments Can Be Hazardous” by Brian Mylar, KSAT 12 News Reporter
WE WANT YOUR HOME –
DIY Photo by NPMA
