CDC Warning on Misuse of Pest Strips

Every week, the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) publishes a Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR). Its meant mostly for doctors, public health practitioners, epidemiologists, and other scientists. Its not something you read over dinner for light entertainment. Unless, you know, youre a bug nerd like me.

Last week I noticed this interesting story in the MMWR:

Notes from the Field: Acute Illness Associated with Use of Pest Strips Seven U.S. States and Canada, 20002013. CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), January 17, 2014 / 63(02);42-43

Dichlorvos-impregnated strips (2,2-dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphate, or DDVP pest strips) were first registered in 1954 under the trade name Vapona by Shell Chemical Company. These pest strips have been used by entomologists, museums, and other conservators for museum fumigation for decades.

DDVP is highly volatile, so does an excellent job of diffusing through an enclosed space. Ill repeat Highly Volatile. A block of DDVP emits vapors that repel and kill insects within 1,200 cubic feet for up to 4 months. Its a strong smell that makes me nostalgic. Its the smell of museum specimens and unopened cabinets of curiosities. Its the smell of old insect collections.

Its the smell of death and beautiful dead things.

DDVP kills insects so well because it is one of the last organophosphate pesticides still available for indoor use in the US. Organophosphates can be dangerous, and misuse can result in ending up on your back twitching like a dying roach.

Organophosphates kill bugs by preventing nerve cells from turning stimulating signals off. They block the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, which is present in all animal nervous systems. Overstimulating nerve cells this way leads to tremors, paralysis, and death. Fortunately, the amount of DVPP it takes to kill an insect is small compared to what it takes to cause symptoms in humans.

The critical safety element is how you use this pesticide. The CDC Report suggests thats where the problem lies. Thirty-one cases were reported to The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) sentinel system of acute dichlorvos pest striprelated illness between 2000 and 2013. That might not seem like a lot, but in the words of the study lead author, Dr. Rebecca Tsai, its definitely an underestimate of what is happening. The sentinel system has just 12 participating U.S. states. Of that small subsample of states, only those cases reported to State Public Health Departments are known about by the CDC.

Twenty (65%) of the 31 cases involved using DDVP incorrectly and in violation of the instructions and safety labels. As someone whos been trained to only use DDVP with eye protection, gloves, and a respirator if in an enclosed space, this is chilling to read:

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CDC Warning on Misuse of Pest Strips