Another controversial insecticide is 2,2-dichloro-vinyl dimethyl phosphate, better known as dichlorvos or Ddvp. This chemical has been used since 1948 but has never been fully tested for safety. It is extremely toxic to insects and - some believe - even to man.
The World health organization (Who) classifies Ddvp as a "highly hazardous" insecticide. Studies made by the Us National Cancer form show that Ddvp causes cancer in animals and may damage the liver and nervous system.
Consumer Reports said the worst offenders are hanging pest strips that contain Ddvp since they continuously publish this deadly vapor in the air and growth your odds of getting cancer by about one in 100.
"According to other Epa estimates, weekly use of ant and roach sprays containing dichlorvos may growth your cancer risk by one in 10,000. Dogs and cats wearing flea collars impregnated with dichlorvos. Run an increased cancer risk of one in 100; population who live with pets wearing such collars also bear an increased risk, about one in 10,000," said buyer Reports.
That perception, however, may soon change. A up-to-date Epa report classifies Ddvp in the same level as permethrin, other insecticide which is ordinarily regarded as non-toxic to humans.
If that classification sticks, that means Ddvp is no guiltier of causing cancer than other less hazardous insecticides and can be safely used at home. Until the final word is out, extreme caution is advised when using products containing this chemical.
Compared to Ddvp, permethrin may not unmistakably kill insects. Weaker formulations may naturally stun bugs for a while. But this chemical also has a dark side. It can make life miserable for asthmatics and other sensitive individuals.
"Asthmatics and population sensitive to pollen should avoid permethrin at all costs. Inhaling or even touching this chemical could bring on a severe allergic attack. Some permethrin products are said to be purified and therefore non-allergenic; but if they are, we couldn't tell which from the product's labels," said the editors of buyer Reports.(Next: Kinds of insecticides.)
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Other Controversial Insecticides
