Q: What are the potential human health effects of pyrethrin exposure?
A: At the levels used in mosquito control, no health effects to humans are expected. The amount of pyrethrin used in mosquito control is many times lower than the amount of pyrethrin that causes adverse effects in animals or that would cause health effects in humans.

Q; Why does pyrethrin kill mosquitoes and yet doesn’t present a significant risk to people when applied aerially?
A: Very small amounts of pyrethrin are used during aerial spraying (0.007 pounds per acre). There is virtually no risk of adverse health effects in humans. Like any chemical the health effects that could potentially occur in an individual depend on the amount that enters the body. While the amount of airborne pyrethrin after mosquito spraying is in sufficient to cause any significant health effects in humans, it is sufficiently potent to kill something tiny as mosquitoes and other insects.

Q: What happens to pyrethrin in the environment?
A: pyrethrin is moderately persistent in soil and sediment, but is readily broken down by soil microorganisms and also by sunlight. In surface water, pyrethrin is rapidly (within hours) absorbed onto organic matter in the water and sediment, resulting in very low concentration of pyrethrin in the water.

Q: What can people do if they think pyrethrin might be making them sick?
A: If you are ill you should always contact a physician. You can also contact the county health department or the Bureau of Community Environmental Health. Pesticide Surveillance at 1-800-606-5810 or the Florida Poison Information Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Q: Can I swim in my pool after pyrethrin is sprayed?
A: Since pyrethrin is most effective at killing adult mosquitoes when airborne, applications are made to minimize the amount that settles. Therefore, a minimal amount of pyrethrin is likely to settle in your pool. In addition, any pyrethrin that may reach the water would be significantly diluted and broken down quickly. You can cover your pool before the spraying occurs; however, no special precautions or waiting periods are required for the swimming pools.

Q: Will pyrethrin harm my pets?
A: The amount of pyrethrin that enters the body of cats, dogs or other animals will be extremely minimal. It is unlikely any adverse effects will occur if they are outside during the applications of pyrethrin. To further reduce any risk of adverse effects, the same precautions should be taken as for humans. pyrethrin is of low to moderate mammalian toxicity and therefore it is not likely to harm pets such as dogs or cats when used according to the labels instructions.

Q: What effects does pyrethrin have on wildlife?
A: pyrethrin used in mosquito control programs does not pose unreasonable risks to wildlife or the environment. pyrethrin degrades rapidly in the environment and it displays low toxicity to birds and mammals. Acute and chronic toxicity to fish is not expected based on the low application rate used for mosquito control. EPA has established specific precautions on the label to reduce the risk to aquatic invertebrates for repeated use of pyrethrin. Pyrethrin is considered toxic to bees. However, spraying operations are likely to be conducted when bees are not foraging thus minimizing the potential for exposure.

Q: How do I get more information about pyrethrin?
A: Information on the use of pyrethrin in mosquito control can be obtained from Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Bureau of Entomology and Pest Control (http://www.flaes.org/aes-eut/public_html/index.html) or at (850) 921-4177 or additional technical information about pyrethrin can be obtained by contacting the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Bureau of Pesticides \
(http://wwww.flaes.org/Pesticides/index.htm).