After World War II, science and industry began to manufacture an amazing variety of chemicals never before seen in the natural world. It is becoming apparent that many of these chemicals are unproven as to their effect on the ecology of our planet and the health of our children. These chemicals are cascading through our water, soil, air and into our bodies at an alarming rate.
Note: Facts taken from EPA data files.
Fact: According to the EPA 5 billion lbs. of pesticides are applied annually to US lawns & homes.
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Fact: Over 98% of sprayed insecticides reach a destination other than their targeted species.
Fact: According to the EPA, 95% of the pesticides routinely used on residential lawns are carcinogens.
Fact: A recent study found that 109 out of 110 children had pesticides in their urine.
Pesticides have a common name, like "Raid" and contain an "active ingredient", which is the man-made molecule that actually kills the insect. Below are three "active ingredients" that comprise perhaps 90% of the pesticide products used today in homes and lawns.
Fipronoil
Active Ingredient: Fipronil
Chemistry: This is a brand new class of chemistry called phenyl pyrazoles. In chemistry, a pyrazole is a five-sided molecular ring. In this case the ring is made of three carbon atoms and two nitrogen atoms. This new chemistry binds chlorine & fluorine atoms to this carbon ring. Both chlorine & fluorine are diatomic, yellowish-green, poisonous gases. They were commonly referred to as "nerve gas" in World War I. Both of these elements combine readily with living tissue.
Products containing: Fipronil
• Termidor™ Insecticide
• Termidor™ Termiticide
• Frontline Plus™ for Dogs
• Frontline Plus™ for cats
• Maxforce™ & Combat™ Home Insecticides
• Top Choice™ Fire Ant Granules
Hazards of Fipronil
• Classified as a probable carcinogen by the EPA
• Disrupts thyroid function in animals
• Damaging to the skin of animals
• Highly toxic to baby birds
• Highly toxic to non-target insects & arthropods
• Main chemical cited for "colony collapse disorder" in bees
• Highly toxic to fish, frogs and other aquatic organisms
Imidicloprid
Active Ingredient: Imidicloprid
Chemistry- This is another new chemistry. They've taken nicotine alkoloids and bound them to the six-sided carbon ring, which is the very building brick of life. The type of chemical bonding used makes it easy for animals to absorb this nerve poison. Added to the nicotine in this new biocide is some chlorine gas. DDT was a chlorinated hydrocarbon; this new chemistry is chlorinated nicotine.
Products containing Imidicloprid:
• Temprid™ Insecticide
• Premise™ Termiticide
• Merit™ Insecticide Lawn Granules
• Advantage™ Flea Treatment for Dogs
• Advantage™ Flea Treatment for Cats
Hazards of Imidicloprid
• Classified as a probable carcinogen by the EPA
• Causes abnormal organ growth in animals
• Damaging to the skin of animals
• Highly toxic to baby birds
• Highly toxic to non-target insects & arthropods
• Another chemical cited for "colony collapse disorder" in bees
• Highly toxic to fish, frogs and other aquatic organisms
Pyrethrins
Active Ingredients: Synthetic Pyrethrins
Chemistry: This is the chemistry that has replaced the organophosphates like Dursban™. Most organophosphates, like the organochlorides before them, ( example:DDT ), have been banned for use in the home. These chemicals are roughly based on the natural insecticide pyrethrum which is produced naturally by certain flowers. There are many different kinds of synthetic pyrethrins, (always look for a –thrin ending on the name of the active ingredient, such as deltamethrin, cypermethrin, etc.), These man-made chemicals often contain, piper butyl butoxide, PBO, a known carcinogen, (and actually a product made from sesame seeds).
The main problem with synthetic pyrethrins is that chemically they can appear to the body to mimic the female hormone estrogen. Some researchers fear that long term exposure to synthetic pyrethrins could lead to abnormal cell growth, (cancer) in female breasts and even the development of breasts in men. This has actually happened to experimental rats. The EPA is currently investigating the safety of synthetic pyrethrins.
Products containing Synthetic Pyrethrins:
• Bio Spot™ Flea Dip for Dogs & Cats
• Earth Options™ Insect Killer for the Home & Garden
• Talstar™ Lawn Granules
• Talstar™ Termiticide
• Bayer Advanced™ Home Pest Spray
• Bedlam™ Bedbug Spray
Hazards of Synthetic Pyrethrins:
• Many products contain "PBO", a known carcinogen
• Mimics natural estrogen and possibly could cause abnormal tissue growth.
• Massive overuse is creating "resistance" in targeted insects
• Highly toxic to baby birds
• Highly toxic to non-target insects & arthropods
• Highly toxic to fish, frogs and other aquatic organisms
Information provided by Nature's Way Natural Pest Control Inc