Pesticides can last long enough to provide toxic exposure to infants according to a research article in the American Journal of Public Health (1990: 80:689-693).
The study found that air and surface pesticide residues (using chlorpyrifos) were measured for 24 hours following a professional application inside a residence. Two of the three treated rooms were ventilated following application. Contaminated air concentrations of 30 micrograms/m3 were detected in the infant activity areas 24 hours after application. Surface residues up to 0.5 micrograms/cm2 were found 24 hours after the application.
It is estimated that the total absorbed doses for infants were up to 0.16 mg/kg on the day of application and up to 0.06 mg/kg the day following application, with skin absorption representing approximately 68 percent of the totals. These doses were up to 5.2 times the human No Observable Effect Level (NOEL) and could result in doses at or above the threshold of toxicological response in infants.
Public health authorities are becoming more sensitive to the problem of home pesticide exposure. Lawsuits are expensive. Over 5,000 incidents involving pesticides in the home have been reported from 1966 to 1979 according to Public Health. Long term effects are still unknown.
Infants and children are especially vulnerable to pesticides and special consideration should be taken by homeowners if they have or expect visits from children.
If homeowners suspect they have bedbugs, they are naturally concerned about the impact on their home life. Panic often sets in and a rapid call often results in pesticide in the home. Multiple spraying is the norm as bedbugs have become resistant to most domestic pesticides. What are the alternatives for the pesticide sensitive homeowner?
Diatomaceous earth.
Quick, clean and discrete. A GREEN alternative.
