from Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry
Bug sprays containing pyrethroids are
commonly used around homes since
they are considered relatively safe for
mammals in laboratory studies. But a
new study notes they may cause skin
irritation, headache, dizziness and
nausea in sensitive people. Brazilian
researchers wrote in the journal
Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry
that while use of pyrethroids outside a
home has little residual effect because
of rain, sprinklers and sunlight, inside a
home the chemical adheres to cloth,
tiled floors and wood. The study found
pyrethroids in dust samples inside a
home after one year. Such extended
persistence may expose young children
and household pets to the pesticide.
Since there is evidence that pyrethroids
last so long inside a home, researchers
say using less may be as effective.