| Total release foggers, commonly known as "bug bombs" were associated with 466 illnesses or injuries in eight states during a five year period, according to a new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Total release foggers are designed to fill an area with insecticide, and are typically used in homes and workplaces to kill insects such as cockroaches and fleas. Most contain pyrethroid and/or pyrethrin as active ingredients, along with aerosol propellants that may cause fires or explosions, CDC said.
An examination of fogger-related illnesses and injuries in California, Florida, Louisiana, Michigan, New York, Oregon, Texas and Washington revealed that incidents often resulted from a person's inability or failure to vacate before a fogger discharged, or from returning to a treated space too soon.
The agency said the findings indicate the foggers pose a risk for acute, but usually temporary, health effects among users and bystanders. To reduce the risk, officials recommended integrated pest management control strategies and the creation of public awareness campaigns teaching proper use of foggers.
Courtesy of Membership News Alert, October 24, - 2008 National Safety Council
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"BUG BOMB" HAZARDS