EEE Spraying Tonight / Beware

[Skitterpop]

I know this is important but please be aware of exposure to these chemicals.

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August 22, 2006

EEE spray plan set
By DAVID KIBBE
TIMES BOSTON BUREAU
State health officials yesterday announced a second aerial spraying over a dramatically expanded area of Southeastern Massachusetts after mosquito collections continued to show an alarming rate of Eastern equine encephalitis.
The pesticide spraying, tentatively set to begin tonight, weather permitting, will cover 425,000 acres, including large portions of Plymouth and Bristol counties, and a smaller part of Norfolk county.
Dr. Al DeMaria, the chief medical officer at the Department of Public Health, said the discovery of EEE in a sample of mosquitoes collected in Dennis on Aug. 14 was ''isolated'' and did not warrant aerial spraying on Cape Cod.
The mosquitoes that tested positive on the Cape were bird-biting, not mammal-biting. It was the first time EEE had been detected on the Cape.
The spraying area on the south coast includes Carver, Middleborough, Lakeville, Freetown, Fall River, New Bedford, Acushnet, Rochester, and parts of Dartmouth and Fairhaven.
To date, two people in the state have been diagnosed with EEE. Both are hospitalized in critical condition.
(Published: August 22, 2006)

[ProfessorM]

I forgot to close the windows last time. I will remember tonite. They are using such small amounts per acre that there really isn't too much to worry about, except pilot error maybe. Thanks. P.

[vineyardblues]

Just a F.Y.I

You can also call them up 2x per year and they will bring a hand fogger and do your back yard for free

VB

ps.or they have in past years

[ProfessorM]

I have called the county extension service in past years and they have sprayed my yard for free.

[Skitterpop]

is they don`t really know the dangers...granted its a light mix but its still dangerous...

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Sumithrin Fact Sheet

Contents

• What is sumithrin?
• What are the symptoms of exposure to sumithrin?
• What are the long term effects of sumithrin?
• How does sumithrin affect other species?
• How long does sumithrin last in the environment?
• Sumithrin product labels

What Is Sumithrin?

Sumithrin is a type I pyrethroid insecticide. Pyrethroids are synthetic versions of a natural insecticide produced by chrysanthemum flowers.

Although pyrethroids are among the least toxic insecticides, they are nerve poisons. They act upon the sodium ion channels in nerve cell membranes.
The pesticide containing sumithrin being used in NY City and its suburbs is called ANVIL (TM). It is 10% sumithrin, 10% piperonyl butoxide and 80% inert ingredients. Piperonyl butoxide makes the pesticide more effective by preventing insects from detoxifying sumithrin.
Manufacturers are not required to disclose the inert ingredients, although they may be toxic also. What Are the Symptoms of Exposure to Sumithrin?

Inhaling pyrethroid insecticides can cause coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, runny or stuffy nose, chest pain, or difficulty breathing.

Skin contact can cause a rash, itching, or blisters.
Piperonyl butoxide can cause skin and eye irritation. All the health effects of this chemical have not been fully researched. What Are the Long Term Effects of Sumithrin?

Rats fed high doses (1,000 milligrams per kilogram of body weight or mg/kg) of pyrethrins (natural versions of pyrethroids) showed liver damage. There is also evidence that pyrethroids can harm the thyroid.

Pyrethroids, including sumithrin, have been shown in the lab to disrupt the endocrine system by mimicking the effects of the female sex hormone estrogen. In men, endocrine disrupters can lower the sperm count, and in women they can cause the growth of abnormal breast cells.
Piperonyl butoxide has been classified by the Environmental Protection Agency as a possible human carcinogen. How Does Sumithrin Affect Other Species?

Sumithrin is not very toxic to mammals, but it is highly toxic to bees and fish.
How Long Does Sumithrin Last in the Environment?

The half-life of sumithrin in soil is one day to sixteen weeks, depending on the type of soil.
Sumithrin Product Labels

ANVIL is the brand name of the sumithrin product that was sprayed on New York. You can learn more about it from the manufacturer's product label.

[striprman]

I remember when they sprayed a few years ago, the chubs in the Wareham river all died.