The Pesticides

The pesticide used for ground applications in 2005 was Pyrenone 25-5, which consists of:

5% pyrethrins
25% piperonyl butoxide (PBO)
70% unknown.

According to the EPA pyrethrins cause more instecticide poisenings than any other class of pesticides except one.
PBO is classified as a possible human carcinogen because it caused tumors in laboratory tests.
Pyrethrins disrupt the normal functioning of sex hormones while PBO affect the functioning of hormone related organs.

See the label.

The pesticide used for aerial applications in 2005 was Evergreen 60-6, which consists of:

The original label provided by the company and over the Internet did not have the information regarding "Use in Mosquito Control"and the information regarding ground application and aerial application.  The company has two labels, one for the general use or general public which omits reference to mosquito control and one label that contains the information regarding mosquito abatement for distribution to mosquito abatement districts.  The company's rationale is that they do not want non-mosquito folks using EC 60-6 for mosquito control unless it is their profession.

See the label.


The District Manager has indicated that for 2006 "Pyrethrin/PBO is similar to last year, with potentially different concentrations. (6% py-60% pbo or 5% py-25% pbo or other formulations depending on the label)."  Also, Suspend SC is being used as a perimeter/ residual treatment. The active ingredient is Deltamethrin, a pyrethroid.  It consists of:

The label states "Harmful if inhaled. Avoid breathing vapor or spray mist."  One commercial advertisement for the product states that "Suspend SC leaves a clear residual on surfaces that keeps on killing pests for up to 3 months."

See the label.


Links:

Beyond Pesticides.

Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides.