Question from raftergirl

Hi Debra, I am quite grateful for your Q&A blog. It has so much helpful information for people with MCS. Thanks!

My question is regarding mosquito control.

Our local vector control has started spot spraying BTI (bacilles thuringiensis israelensis) for larvae control. They will start fogging from trucks and possible airplanes for adult mosquitos, “anvil 10 + 10” which is made by Clarke. They also sometimes use “Bio-mist 4 + 4” (also by Clarke).

Vector control said that these sprays are much less harmful than past sprays. I still feel quite concerned about it.

I am trying to decide if I need to leave the area and stay with someone while they spray (especially fog) or even the week following the fogging. I feel especially concerned about the fogging they do at night for adult mosquitos.

Do you have any sense how dangerous these sprays are for people with MCS? Are they much safer as vector control claims?

Debra’s Answer

First, Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) is completely safe. It is a group of bacteria used as biological control agents for larvae stages of certain insects. It works by producing toxins which are effective in killing specific species of mosquitoes, fungus gnats, and blackflies, while having almost no effect on other organisms. Here is the MDSD.

Anvil 10 + 10 is a synthetic pyrethrin pesticide. The MSDS says it contains 20% pesticide and 80% petroleum distillates and says “inert ingredeints are proprietary or non-hazardous” What!!?! Petroleum distillates certainly ARE hazardous! They are a mix of all different kinds of toxic VOCs, whatever is cheapest at the moment when the mix is being made. So when this is being sprayed, they are basically just spraying toxic chemicals around.

Bio-mist 4 + 4–oh, I see–is the same stuff (here’s the MSDS) but the 10 + 10 is 10 percent one pesticide and 10 percent another, while this one uses the same two pesticides with 4 percent of each. This is then 92 percent toxic petroleum distillates.

I would say if you are having symptoms, and you have known sensitivites, even that small amount can pose a potential issue.

I would leave while these pesticides are being applied, but since they are so volatile you could probably come back in a couple of days.

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