Insecticides are more deadly than mosquitoes when misapplied.

It is presently of no doubt that the female Anopheles mosquito is responsible for the transmission of the protozoan parasite (plasmodium spp.) which causes malaria in Humans. Malaria before the breakthrough in its prevention and cure, had records of millions of death, but thanks to the relentless efforts of scientists who discovered the preventive and curative measures. Various things that were put into place include the introduction of the antimalarial drugs which were solely to curb the protozoan parasites, while mosquito nets and insecticides were for the purpose of curbing the activities of the vector which is the female anopheles mosquito.

Unfortunately, there has been an alarming rate in the misapplication of the insecticides. We tend not to realize that these insecticides contains chemicals which when accumulated into our body system becomes a toxic dose that damage the body system and eventually leading to death.

Insecticides lead to the following, when misapplied;

Chronic poisoning: Exposure to small amounts of insecticides over a long period of time can lead to chronic poisoning. This often causes physical and neurological effects such as twitching, nervousness, slow movement and a sharp decline in good health. A bad story arises when the source of the poisoning is unknown as this will eventually make the treatment difficult. Cases of cancer aren’t exempted too.

Allergic reaction: Within a short time frame, allergic reaction might occur when a person is exposed to the insecticide (University of Missouri extension’s website), especially those that are very sensitive to chemicals. The allergic reactions usually include skin and nose irritation, watering of the eyes and difficulty breathing similar to an asthma attack. But not all persons are sensitive to chemicals.

Insecticide runoffs: This arises when the insecticides are sprayed aimlessly onto eroding soils or when heavy rain falls right after application. A person drinking from the contaminated water, experience bad effect from the chronic poisoning. Also consumption of the contaminated plants will also lead to chronic poisoning.

It is therefore advisable to use or spray insecticides when there is little chance of rain and no wind to prevent the chemicals from moving aimlessly (drifting). It is also of importance to stay away from the sprayed area for about 6 to 7 hours so as to avoid being exposed to the chemical. Lastly keep out of reach of children and don’t make insecticides body sprays!!!

References;

• The cooperative extension system: symptoms of pesticide poisoning.
• University of Missouri Extension: Pesticide poisoning symptoms and first aid