I am working from home for most of the day today. Since I Re-Insulated my Home and with all of the rain lately I have noticed a few critters inside the house. I was here waiting for the Pest Control Company to show up. Because we have cats and small kids, we use a company that uses a product that is supposed to be the safest available. They don't even use a spray inside if they don't have to..and if they do they say that an animal or kid would have to drink at least 2 cups of it to affect them.
You may also know that I suffer from allergies. That is one of the reasons why EcoBroker appealed to me. Promote Healthier, Allergen Free Living and Healthier Indoor Air Quality...a small part of it.
Well, as I was sitting here trying to figure out what to post about today, the company shows up. Because I have noticed some bugs, he decides to use the spray today. Ok, fine with me.
As he sprayed the product about 5 feet away, immediately my eyes started to swell and water, my breathing became heavier, and I even felt a little dizzy for a couple of minutes. What the heck?
They use a product called Phantom. (The one that is supposed to be so safe) I decided to Google it and found the MSDS Sheet for it. Doesn't sounds too safe on their. Simply inhaling the mist it recommends contacting 911 for a respirator after moving the person to fresh air. He has been gone for 20 minutes now, sprayed it over 1/2 an hour ago and I'm still breathing heavy and feel a little light headed. Think I might ought to go outside and get some fresh air? :)
Okay. Posting from outside now.
The reason I am writing this is, Do we all understand the adverse affects of Pesticides? Are there some Allergen Free Pesticides out there that are effective for basic quarterly service? I am going to do some research on this, but if anyone knows...please fill me in.
In the mean time, here are some links regarding Indoor Air Quality and Pesticides. I recommend reading them as they are very interesting:
- Amazing facts and Dangers on Pesticides
- Consumer Product Safety Commission
- Environmental Protection Agency
Any other links you know of with Environmentally Safe or Allergen Free Pesticides will be much appreciated!
You are right to be concerned. Pesticides are not good for you. I don't care what their sales pitch is. Unless you are using natural oils and such from plants that you are not allergic too. Not only that when they say 'natural' that does not mean 'safe'/ Natural gas and oil are 'natural' and they will kill you if you breathe the gas fumes, right?
I am big on going organic and only shop at Whole Foods. We fight off mosquitoes with a garlic oil that you can spray in your yard, we have ladybugs to eat the bad bugs on our plants, we raise milkweed to feed the caterpillars, we have a reverse osmosis water treatment system to get rid of the chlorine and flouride and organisms and fecal matter in our city water, we have an ecosystem air purifier and we changed our pool water to salt. You must take care of your body, health and your home.
I hope your post is read by many people. We must get the word out about this and all other matters pertaining to our well being.
I just subscribed to your blog. I will write a post about this and find the links for you by the end of this week. Katerina
Wow! What an eye- opener. I am a big fan of no pesticides or lawn treatments, but it is easy or me to say because buggies aren't as common around here as they are in parts South where the climate is more bug friendly. It sure does remind us to always do our homework, though. I hope your fumes clear out soon... welcome home.
I know better, but I am so tempted to buy bug sprays from the store. But you know what? Besides the fact they aren't healthy, they don't work and they are expensive!
I use the bug lights on occasion - it's a waste of electricity in my mind. But when I do turn mine on it's next to the walk while I'm out. When I get home it does shed enough light to get into the house and then turn the bug light off.
The other thing that is effective for ants is boiling hot water! Yep, pour the water down the hole. But since I'm a believer in balance I only do this if the ants are when I'm going to be or the dogs are going to be.
Inside, if I need to I use 20 Mule power borax. It burns insects that are in the carpet - then vacuum. I've used borax on dirt floors as well. Natural, cheap and easy!
Hee Hee, then I definitely won't be able to reach it. All 5'1 1/2" of me. (but my driver's license say 5'2") :) Actually, when I got new carpet...with pets and kids I got something durable so I went with a berber. It's made of stuff that I could actually use straight bleach on without ruining it. I have tried it... :) nail polish accident with my daughter.
I will have to try the borax.
Ha, I'm the same height as you, but I'm older and getting shorter...
What kind of carpet did you get? Nail polish and bleach proof is impressive.
This is all interesting...back in "the day" we didn't even think about all this...lead based paint...smoking...chemicals, pesticides....hey...maybe that's why I am like I am...lol! Great info and would love to see more on organic. I have only potted plants but I no longer have roses because I had to spray with some foul chemicals to keep the bugs off.
Hi Jeff, I think it should be MANDATORY that these companies hand out the MSDS or other material when they sign on for service. That would be a good post! :)
Hi Sally, I like Katerina's idea. I wish there was more available..other options. That would be fantastic. Katerina is going to do a post later this week..Can't wait to read it!
Katerina...can't wait! :)
Hi Stephanie.
Do some homework on IPM (Integrated Pest Management.) I have some links on my site (http://www.championindoors.com/)
IPM does not rely on the use of toxic chemicals, of which you have every right to be concerned. There are many natural remedies out there, depending on the type of pest, etc.
I have had many clients who have been poisoned after a pesticide applicator told them the product was "safe" or "non-toxic." Cide translates literally to kill; so if it's job is to kill something, you had better find out what it potentially could do to you first.
It is crucial that consumers learn to ask for both the product label and MSDS (Manufacturer Safety Data Sheets) and at least in my state, the pesticide applicators are required by law to carry both of these things in their vehicle at all times.
The EPA has a good handbook titled "Recognition and Management of Pesticide Poisonings" which can be found here: http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/safety/healthcare/handbook/handbook.htm
Environmental Working Group (http://www.ewg.org/) also has some great info on chemicals.
Hope this helps.
- Stacey Champion
A lot of th companies are going natural.... no chemicals. Crushed up chrysanthemums is the favorite, I think. Supposed to keep the bugs out. Get a nose full of that.... HA!
I have allergies too.
I hope you are felling better. I was injured by a pesticide application years ago which damaged my health. So we do not use any pesticides, or lawn treatments at all now.
What I suggest you do is take massive doses of Vitamin C to help your body detox, and if you can go to the gym and get in a sauna do that.
Read about how PHANTOM (chemical name chlorfenapyr) was originally not approved for registration by the EPA for use by cotton growers because it is harmful to birds. Facts are there are some individuals that are more sensitive to chemical compounds and extra caution needs to be taken in this case. Pest Control employees should never guarantee anything.
You could ask them to come back and wipe down all the areas they sprayed...ask for a refund. Make a stink... they need to be more careful in what they represent.
MSDS for Phantom (chlorfenapyr)
GingerHi Ginger, you have a good point. I want to find something else to use indoors. The outdoors does not bother me as much. That is where bugs are supposed to be, right? :) Thanks for the information. I am feeling better.
Hi JaneAnne, I think Ginger and Roger should write something for our Directoy. Sounds like they know their stuff!
Thanks Katerina! I really appreciate it!
Hi Stephanie
I would suggest you take a look at the label for the pesticide not the MSDS The MSDS is writen for the concentrated amount, the bottel the pesticide company buys from the mfg. The label covers both concentrated and mixed batchs (The amount diluted with water) It seems to me the exterminator was not applying the pesticide correctly. I am and exterminator and rely on the pesticides your page and personal experance try to stay away from. All exterminators need to be aware of personal sensativities of our customers, Phantom is a nonrepulsive insecticide, Meaning insects don't detect it, they will walk threw it (when dry) and carry the active ingreadeant back to the nest and spread it to the others with social interaction (thats insects that have social interaction roaches ants termites ect)
Also be aware that IPM is not pest managment with out pesticides. It is Pest managment that considers all factors and uses the least agressive affective treatment. That may mean placing crushed rock around your house as aa barrieer. or it may mean a chemical treatment outside as a premrimiter treatment.
Also be carful of natural, natural doesn't always mean safe, an exagerated example would be poisen Ivy is natural but not something I want in my house. you seem sensitive to chemicals you may also be sensitive to natural compounds.