For Release: Friday, October 17, 2008
State to Restrict Use of "Bug Bombs"
Action Follows New Federal Report That Shines Light on Hazards, Injuries Linked to Indoor Foggers
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Pete Grannis announced today that the state will be taking action to address the risks posed by total release foggers, also known as "bug bombs," in the wake of a new federal report detailing hazards and injuries related to the product.
DEC will move to classify foggers as a restricted-use product in New York State, meaning that only certified pesticide applicators - rather than the general public - will be able to obtain them. Simultaneously, DEC will explore the need to further limit fogger use and encourage the adoption of better pest management strategies. (DEC categorizes pesticides and regulates their use through its pesticide registry program.)
Total release foggers have caused numerous explosions and acute illnesses due to pesticide exposure. According to a report by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were 123 cases of bug bomb-related illness or injury in New York State (58 in New York City alone) from 2001-06. Information on New York's incidents were part of a larger study published today in the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, which illuminated the hazards of total release foggers using data from several states. The most commonly reported acute health effects from bug bombs were respiratory problems and gastrointestinal reactions, such as nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In editorial comments accompanying the study, the CDC notes that these figures are most likely underestimated.
"The CDC report has shone a spotlight on foggers," Commissioner Grannis said. "Over the past year, DEC has been in discussions with the New York State Department of Health and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene regarding the problems with these products. Fortunately, we have the authority to address these hazards and protect New Yorkers."
"The CDC study makes it clear that we cannot wait for the federal government to restrict the use of foggers," said New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Richard Daines. "We must act to protect the health of New Yorkers. Pest control should be accomplished without harming people."
In each of the past several years, total release foggers have caused at least four to eight serious explosions in apartments in New York City, according to Fire Department data. Just last month, an apartment building in Manhattan was evacuated after a fogger caused an explosion. Ten people were treated at the scene, including six who were brought to the hospital.
"We commend the Department of Environmental Conservation for taking action on this issue," said New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas R. Frieden. "By getting these products off the shelves, we will prevent avoidable illness and injury. There are far safer and more effective methods of controlling pests that do not put people's health at risk." The city health department recently created a guide to safe pest control for New Yorkers..
To learn more about foggers and better pest control practices, go to:
http://www.health.state.ny.us/environmental/pests/insect_foggers.htm
http://www.health.state.ny.us/environmental/pests/docs/insect_foggers.pdf
http://home2.nyc.gov/html/doh/downloads/pdf/pest/pest-bro-healthy-home.pdf
http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/8531.html
http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/materials_minerals_pdf/pm2.pdf
