Assoc. Prof. Müge Ensari Özay, a faculty member of Occupational Health and Safety at Üsküdar University, explained the basic conditions for safe pest control in homes and apartments.
Not every insecticide carries the same risk
Stating that the term 'insecticide' alone is not enough to understand how dangerous a product is, Assoc. Prof. Müge Ensari Özay said, “The health risk in biocidal applications carried out in homes and apartments largely varies depending on the toxicity of the active substance used, its formulation, dose, application method, volume of the environment, and ventilation conditions.”
Assoc. Prof. Özay, stating that the risk is generally lower in gel and bait applications, continued as follows:
“Respiratory exposure in spraying and especially fogging or aerosol applications can cause serious health risks. While acetylcholinesterase inhibitors like organophosphates and carbamates pose a higher risk for acute neurotoxicity, in pyrethroids, acute human toxicity is generally lower, but high doses or intense exposure can still lead to poisoning.”
Risk is much higher with gas-forming products!
Noting that one of the most critical distinctions is gas control products called fumigants, Assoc. Prof. Özay said, “For example, aluminum phosphide, when it comes into contact with moisture, forms highly toxic phosphine gas, and life-threatening exposure can occur in enclosed spaces within a short time. Therefore, the term 'insecticide' alone is not sufficient for risk assessment. The active substance of the product, its formulation, intended use, and the application conditions specified on the licensed label must be known. In Turkey, real or legal persons who combat pests using biocidal products in the field of public health must obtain a Biocidal Product Application Permit and the applications must be carried out by trained personnel as stipulated in the regulations.”
Residents in neighboring apartments can also be poisoned!
Emphasizing that people outside the apartment where pest control is carried out can also be exposed to chemicals in some applications, Assoc. Prof. Müge Ensari Özay stated that this risk should not be ignored, especially in apartment buildings.
Assoc. Prof. Özay said, “Especially with aerosol, fogging, or gas-forming products, it is possible for people outside the apartment where the application is made to be exposed. Air movements in an apartment can occur through common ventilation and air conditioning ducts, plumbing and electrical shafts, elevator and stairwells, gaps under doors, and openings within walls.”
Assoc. Prof. Özay also stated that the spread will not be the same in every pest control application, noting that the physical properties of the product, particle or gas size, application pressure, pressure differences within the building, and the operation method of the ventilation system determine the outcome.
“Closing the door is not enough!”
Underlining that the danger is higher especially with fumigants, Assoc. Prof. Özay stated that gases can reach unexpected points through air currents and connected voids within the building.
Assoc. Prof. Müge Ensari Özay said, “Therefore, merely 'closing the door of the treated apartment' is not a sufficient isolation method. In comprehensive applications, neighboring apartments, common areas, and ventilation systems should also be included in the risk assessment, the treated area should be isolated, and safe re-entry conditions should be ensured after the application.”
Stating that waiting for only a certain period might not be sufficient in gas control applications, Assoc. Prof. Özay warned, “The product's licensed use instructions and environmental measurements should be taken as a basis.”
Apartment residents must be informed before pest control
Stating that informing residents beforehand is a fundamental safety measure in comprehensive apartment pest control, Assoc. Prof. Özay said, “Especially in spraying, ULV, fogging, or gas-forming applications, prior notification of building residents is a basic risk communication and prevention measure. Before application, the name and active substance of the product to be used, the application method, affected areas, how long the building will be evacuated, ventilation, and re-entry conditions must be determined. During application, the treated area must be closed off, common ventilation systems should be isolated if necessary, and workers must use the personal protective equipment required by the product.”
“The 'ventilate for two hours after every pest control' approach is not correct”
Emphasizing that a standard waiting period after pest control will not be valid for every product, Assoc. Prof. Özay stated, “The important thing here is not to set a general period like two hours of ventilation for every pest control, but to apply the specific conditions on the product's licensed label and safety data sheet.”
Definitely ask for these from the pest control company!
Pointing out that citizens should question the authority of the company before having pest control done, Assoc. Prof. Müge Ensari Özay said that whether the company has a Biocidal Product Application Permit can be verified through the Provincial Health Directorate.
Noting that the person performing the application must also have the necessary applicator certificate, Assoc. Prof. Özay said, “Before the application, citizens should request in writing the product's trade name, active substance and concentration, Ministry license or registration information, approved label, Safety Data Sheet, application method to be used, quantity to be applied, and re-entry period.”
“Caution if 'secret formula, very powerful pesticide' is mentioned!”
Stating that a pest control company not disclosing the content of the chemical used is an important warning sign, Assoc. Prof. Özay made the following assessment:
“A company not providing product information with justifications such as 'secret formula,' 'very powerful pesticide,' or 'no license required' is an important safety warning. In professional applications, it must be traceable what the product is, where and at what dose it is used, and who carried out the application.”
Caution if several people experience nausea and dizziness at the same time!
Stating that the appearance of similar complaints in more than one person in the same environment after pest control should be taken seriously regarding the possibility of chemical exposure, Assoc. Prof. Özay listed the symptoms as follows:
“The appearance of symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, weakness, eye or respiratory tract irritation in more than one person after pest control should be taken seriously for chemical exposure. Especially if there are shortness of breath, altered consciousness, fainting, seizures, or severe circulatory and respiratory signs, urgent medical evaluation is required.”
Do not return home to check the smell of the pesticide!
Emphasizing that one of the most dangerous mistakes made in case of suspected poisoning is re-entering the exposure area, Assoc. Prof. Özay concluded, “It is absolutely incorrect for a person suspected of poisoning to re-enter the exposure area to investigate the source or check the smell of the pesticide. First, move to fresh air, the product's name and label should be obtained from a safe place if possible and reported to health teams. If there is clothing or skin contact, appropriate decontamination should be applied. The person should not be made to vomit on their own, 'neutralization' should not be attempted with another chemical, and the area should not be re-entered without protective equipment. Especially in case of suspected fumigant or gas, untrained persons entering an enclosed area, even for ventilation purposes, can cause secondary exposure. In Turkey, for poisoning consultation, call 114 National Poison Information Center, and for serious symptoms, emergency health services should be sought.”
