Originally published September 12 2005
Health advocacy group warns against health risks of pesticide spraying; suggests health-based approach to West Nile virus
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Washington-based health advocacy group Beyond Pesticides is demanding the EPA present evidence that pesticide spraying is successfully controlling West Nile virus, and PR Newswire reports the group suggests a program of outreach and community education and instead of spraying.
A national public health advocacy organization today called on communities across the country to take a reasoned health-based approach in response to West Nile virus.
The Washington-based group, Beyond Pesticides, is working with community residents who are asking for evidence that spraying their communities with toxic pesticides actually controls the virus and is worth the health risks associated with widespread public exposure.
The federal agency responsible for determining the effectiveness of these spray practices, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, has not conducted reviews, as required by law.
"Ground spraying in general is a waste of money," said noted entomologist and Cornell University professor David Pimentel.
"EPA's lack of data on the effectiveness of mosquito sprays is problematic because it allows hazardous chemical use despite the availability of alternative preventive and less toxic approaches," said Jay Feldman, executive director of Beyond Pesticides, a national public health advocacy organization.
Scientific studies link the pesticides used to combat adult mosquitoes to effects on the central nervous, cardiovascular and respiratory systems and long-term health effects like cancer and disruption of the endocrine (hormonal) system even at very low doses.
We've learned that the best way to protect the public from both the virus and the pesticides is to intensify our larval program and distribute outreach and education information that emphasizes prevention and protection techniques to the public in the surrounding area."
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has previously said that pesticide spraying of adult mosquitoes is the least effective method of mosquito management.
Preliminary comparison data show no significant difference in the human rates of WNv in communities that ground spray adulticides compared to those that use other methods of mosquito control.
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