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Hi, I'm Boruch Fishman, and welcome to another episode of Close Up. Today, we will be considering if the pesticides on the market today are safe for home use?

Current insecticides on the American market are safer than before, but they can still cause illness and even accidental death if used improperly. On the bright side, according to specifications, they do not cause cancer.

Insecticides are chemical formulations used to eradicate or mitigate infestations of insects including such common household pests as flies,  fleas, ants, spiders,  cockroaches , wasps and more. Insecticides may be applied as a spray as poison bait, as powders or liquids.

Pesticide is a more all inclusive word than insecticide and includes substances meant to kill and eradicate all forms of pests including non-insect pests such as mice , animals , plant pests, fungi, bacteria and viruses.

Example of common household pesticides include cockroach sprays and baits, insect repellants for personal use, rodent poisons, flea and tick spray, powders, pet collars, antifungals, even sanitizing chemicals that can be used around the house or around swimming pools and weed killers.

Domestic pesticides are controlled by a number of government regulations, which date back to the 1950s.  In devising these procedures, the government weighed the risk versus the benefits of using the various substances to control infestations. When the benefits of using certain pesticides is great, chemicals with risks are approved for use, and therefore users must handle these products with caution. 

A 1954 law called for the determination of permissible concentrations of pesticides in agricultural products and a 1958 law added regulations which apply to any pesticide that leaves traceable residues of chemicals in food. According to this amendment, any substance which is found to induce cancer is automatically banned from the market.

As a result of these regulations, many chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticides were withdrawn from use. This led to the introduction of organophosphate and carbamate pesticides, many of which are harmful to pets. Owners must therefore be very observant of side effects in pets exposed to pesticide treatment. More recently, some of these harmful compounds have been taken off the market.

While many regulations are in place, common pesticides, as noted above, can have harmful side effects and therefore users should take certain common sense precautions when using them. Homeowners should carefully read the label on any pesticide, before using it, especially if they are to be used in any area where food is consumed or placed. All food surfaces should be thoroughly wiped after use. Fish tanks and bird cages should be covered before spraying with insecticides.  And hands should be thoroughly washed after spraying or using pesticides.  

For severe infestations a homeowner is encouraged to consult a licensed pest specialist , who is familiar with the proper use of the more powerful pesticides.

Well that's it for another episode of Closeup. I'm Boruch Fishman. Have a great day.