tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888510041198780859.post8648282974289175380..comments2023-04-25T22:37:27.911-04:00Comments on Karen Johns - Life in Phoenixville: DEP to spray today for mosquitos in Phoenixville, Spring City, & West GoshenKarenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11057911658878963451noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888510041198780859.post-51481803378033269542008-07-21T21:41:00.000-04:002008-07-21T21:41:00.000-04:00Someone can correct me if I am wrong, but I think ...Someone can correct me if I am wrong, but I think Bt is only effective against mosquito larvae. Notice that they are spraying for adult mosquitos.<BR/><BR/>I'd also note that the scary information posted is from edf.org (Environmental Defense Fund), which tends to be alarmist.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888510041198780859.post-10118131965908354292008-07-21T13:15:00.000-04:002008-07-21T13:15:00.000-04:00You are very welcome, Anonymous 12:53 p.m.I am una...You are very welcome, Anonymous 12:53 p.m.<BR/><BR/>I am unable to find the exact areas they will be spraying, but in view of that fact, it would be best to have your husband excercise indoors tonight.<BR/><BR/>I've been receiving alerts of this type for several years, and the mix on the chemicals used have not changed to my recollection.<BR/><BR/>The toxicity of some of the chemicals used to combat pests may also be harmful to wildlife and impact those with asthma, etc.<BR/><BR/>We should plan to stay indoors tonight and be careful when out tomorrow, too.Karenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11057911658878963451noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888510041198780859.post-83930282608389286792008-07-21T12:52:00.000-04:002008-07-21T12:52:00.000-04:00Karen,Thanks for posting this -- my husband goes r...Karen,<BR/><BR/>Thanks for posting this -- my husband goes running at Black Rock and now won't be doing this at that area tonight.<BR/><BR/>I do wonder why they aren't bothering with Bt -- the pesticide they are using is broad-spectrum and would harm many other "good bugs" as well as the mosquitos.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888510041198780859.post-35953600989059336402008-07-21T10:08:00.000-04:002008-07-21T10:08:00.000-04:00Link to the CDC's frequently asked questions o...Link to the CDC's frequently asked questions on West Nile Virus. <BR/><BR/>http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/q&a.htmKarenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11057911658878963451noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888510041198780859.post-1208953580869528712008-07-21T10:05:00.000-04:002008-07-21T10:05:00.000-04:00Cautionary information regarding the spraying of c...Cautionary information regarding the spraying of chemicals to combat mosquitos.<BR/><BR/>http://www.edf.org/article.cfm?contentid=2255<BR/><BR/>"The main immediate danger from pesticide spraying comes from inhaling the solvents and other chemicals used as "vehicles" for the active pesticide ingredients, putting those with asthma and other respiratory problems at particular risk. And swallowing pesticides-- either accidentally or intentionally -- could result in serious organ or brain damage. (For example, Scorecard lists sumithrin as a suspected gastrointestinal or liver toxicant, kidney toxicant and neurotoxicant.) <BR/><BR/>Repeated long-term exposure to pesticides has been linked to certain cancers and neurological problems in agricultural workers, who spend long hours day after day working in fields sprayed with pesticides. Because average citizens are exposed to much lower levels, the risks from long-term repeated exposure are less well understood, says Dr. Balbus. <BR/><BR/>As for repeated nighttime spraying, Dr. Balbus comments that "spraying at night does tend to minimize exposure -- the risk of inhaling the pesticide is highest if you're outside while the spraying is occurring." While organophosphates usually don't stick around more than one or two days in an area, that is enough time for some exposure to occur from the residues on plants and trees. "Again, it's a matter of prudence and common sense. I would certainly not allow children -- who are more vulnerable to the effects of exposure to pesticides -- to play on the grass or in trees the morning after spraying in the neighborhood." <BR/><BR/>Also, keeping abreast of local announcements of when spraying will occur and then staying indoors with windows closed is a wise course of action, says Dr. Balbus. "Under no circumstances should children ever be outside or allowed to play near a spraying truck. Bring in pets as well and remove pet food and dishes from outdoor areas. If officials in your area are lax about alerting the public about spraying or possible hazards, put pressure on them to do that."Karenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11057911658878963451noreply@blogger.com