Transcript MMS Stakeholders Forum - Steve Dwinell presentation

Florida Department of
Agriculture
and Consumer Services
Charles H. Bronson
COMMISSIONER
Mosquito
Misting –
Regulatory
Concerns
Mosquito misting – Regulatory Concerns
- Impact on Notification Requiremetns
- Unsubstantiated Claims
- Licensing
- Label Compliance
Mosquito misting – Regulatory Concerns
Notification Requirements
Nine states maintain list of persons requesting notification –
Colorado
Florida
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Michigan
Pennsylvania
Washington
West Virginia
Notification typically required of applicators
How does this apply to misting systems?
Mosquito misting – Regulatory Concerns
For example:
Florida – Chapter 482.2267, F.S. requires 24 hour notification
prior to a “pesticide application to a lawn, plant bed, or
exterior foliage” to persons on a published list
Use of misting systems would therefore require perpetual
notification
Unsubstantiated Claims

Pyrethrum is non-toxic to humans and other
mammals and is considered biodegradable as well
as water soluble. It is sought for sensitive
applications like the post-harvest treatment of
fruits and vegetables. Pyrethrum is so safe that the
U.S. Government approves its use on such insectprone foods as tomatoes, even while they are on
their way to the supermarket or processing plant.
Unsubstantiated Claims

Is the system dangerous?
 Not unless you're cold-blooded. The insecticide
used is environmentally friendly, biodegradable,
and cannot be metabolized by warm blooded
animals. Pyrethrum is rapidly broken down by
sunlight and air into harmless molecules
eliminating the risk of run-off contamination. It
leaves no residue and insect resistance is almost
nonexistent.

Mosquito misting – Regulatory Concerns
Mosquito Misting – Regulatory Concerns
Unsubstantiated Claims
Unsubstantiated Claims
Texas Structural Pest Control Board Release

As the Labor Day weekend approaches, consumers should carefully scrutinize
advertising claims about automated mosquito misting systems, and must be
aware that pesticides used in such systems are potentially toxic to people and
pets. Consumers also should demand proof of licensing by the Texas Structural
Pest Control Board.
 These aggressively marketed systems promise automated mosquito control using
pyrethrum, a derivative of chrysanthemum flowers imported into the United
States. While the base compound is a natural derivative, pesticides including
these compounds are potentially toxic and label precautions should be read and
followed.
Texas Structural Pest Control Board Release

“Each of these pesticides contain label warnings which the consumer
should ask for from the installer, and examine,” said John Lee
Morrison, Chairman of the Texas Structural Pest Control Board. “The
companies that market and install these systems should not tell the
consumer they are inherently safe. Like the use of any pesticide, they
are safe only if precautions are known about and followed.”

One of the pyrethrum-based products, RIPTIDE, includes this
warning: “Hazards to humans and domestic animals…harmful if
swallowed or absorbed through the skin…avoid contact with skin, eyes
or clothing.” ULD HydroPY-300, a pyrethrin concentrate, includes
similar label warnings.
Label Compliance
Questions and Answers