We are always having confusion about using pest control materials and their safety measures. Is pest control dangerous to us? The proper usage of pest control materials will never cause any issues to us. Because regular pest control measures only can save us from the damages and health issues caused by the dangerous pests around us like mosquitoes, cockroaches, rodents, wood mice, etc.
It is important to consider the safety of customers while using pest control chemicals. When we handle the pest control materials carefully, they are completely safe. At New Star Pest Control and Cleaning Services, we take safety seriously and only use approved pesticides following their specific guidelines.
Toxicity levels of pesticides
We use pesticides to kill pests almost everywhere like agriculture, homes, offices, parks, schools, etc. This includes substances that kill weeds (herbicides), fungus (fungicides), rodents (rodenticides), and also others. Is pest control dangerous? Pesticides with minimum risk and high toxicity levels are available in the market.
The pesticides with minimum risk are the pesticides that pose little or no threat to people, animals, and the environment. The natural active ingredients contain in pesticides with the lowest toxicity level and minimum risk are,
- Citronella oil
- Sodium chloride
- Sodium laurel sulfate
- Thyme
- Lemongrass oil, also
- Potassium sorbet
The pesticide active ingredients that have been determined to have the highest human toxicity levels can cause acute and/or chronic health problems for people that are exposed to them. They are;
- Mycobutanil (.39%)
- Permethrin (1.25%)
- 2-methy-4-chlorophenoxy
- Carbaryl (2%)
- Acetic acid/ vinegar (20%)
- Benefin, also
- Triadimefon (.5%)
Damages caused by pesticides
The use of toxic pesticides to manage pest problems has become a common practice around the world. Is pest control dangerous? Sometimes, it may cause a severe impact on our health as well as the environment.
- Pesticides and human health
Some of the chemicals used in pesticides may trigger health issues like asthma, allergic reactions, developmental issues, and reproductive disabilities. The chemicals like carcinogens may cause cancer also. When we use pesticides with higher toxicity levels it may also lead to the onset of diseases like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, brain cancer, infertility, and birth defects.
- Pesticides and the environment
In addition to causing health issues, toxic chemicals also lead to environmental damage. Spraying the chemical insecticides, rodenticides, or other pesticides can spread through the wind, contaminate groundwater, and poison wildlife. It in turn disturbs the functioning of the ecosystem. Using these kinds of chemicals in agriculture will also damage our health along with destroying the environment.
How professionals help to reduce risks of using pesticides
Before coming to market most of the pesticides are heavily regulated by different agencies. This provides a lot of checks and balances before a pesticide can be approved for use. Every country will have agencies to check pesticides which are primarily concerned with food safety. They also regulate pesticides used in home and commercial properties. Assessment of the safety of plants, environment, animals, and also human health risks are doing each time.
Is pest control dangerous? Even though there are health risks in using some pesticides, professional exterminators assess the situations and understand what is safe to use in various situations. They will use the pesticides according to the severity of pest infestation. This is why home and business owners are encouraged to call professionals.