pesticide spray

Letter to the Editor, Citizens and County Commissioners

This letter is written in regard to the article titled Aerial Spraying resumes featured in the September 24th issue of the Walton Sun.

The article starts by stating, ? if you notice a low-flying DC-3 airplane in South Walton, do not fear.? The short article continues about why the airplane is spraying (dog flies) but does not mention what the airplane is spraying. This is an interesting oversight.

Upon researching and contacting the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Bureau of Entomology and Pest Control it was and is determined that the airplane is spraying DIBROM NALED.
The agency provides a twelve page document pertaining to this Pesticide to anyone who cares to ask. We asked, and after reviewing it, we all must be in FEAR.

The opening paragraph titled PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS lists HAZARDS TO HUMANS AND DOMESTIC ANIMALS, DANGER. It reads as follows: ? Causes irreversible eye and skin damage. May be fatal if swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through the skin. May cause allergic skin reaction. Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing. Do not breath spray vapor or spray mist.? Further down the document it states, ? atropine sulfate is antidotal?. Isn?t atropine sulfate the product the United States Department of Homeland Security advises our citizens to keep handy and use if we come under nuclear and or chemical/biological attack from terrorists?

Environmental Hazards are also spelled out on the first page of this long document. It includes, ? this pesticide is toxic to fish, aquatic invertebrates, and wildlife.

Potential health effects of exposure to DIBROM NALED include, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, excessive sweating, salivation and tearing, constricted pupils, blurred vision, tightness in chest, weakness, muscle twitching and confusion. In extreme cases, unconsciousness, convulsions, severe respiratory depression and death may occur.

According to the article that appeared in the Sun, Dog flies can be a terrible nuisance but they do not transmit any human diseases. I find it alarming that this extremely harmful agent is being used and openly sprayed on our citizens including you and me, to rid our area of dog flies that pose no risk to humans.

Should we fear the plane?