Illnesses and Injuries Related to Total Release Foggers—Eight States, 2001-2006

• Published in: JAMA : the journal of the American Medical Association 2008-12, Vol.300 (22), p.2600-2602
• Main Authors: Wheeler, K, Kass, D, Hoffman, RS, Lackovic, M, Mitchell, Y, Barrett, R, Morrissey, B, Mehler, L, Diebolt-Brown, B, Waltz, J, Schwartz, A, Calvert, GM, Luckhaupt, SE
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Health hazards; Human exposure; Illnesses; Injuries; Pest control; Pesticides
• ISSN: 0098-7484; 1538-3598
• DOI: 10.1001/jama.300.22.2600

Total release foggers (TRFS) are pesticide products designed to fill an area with insecticide and often are used in homes and workplaces to kill cockroaches, fleas, and flying insects. Most TRF's contain pyrethroid, pyrethrin, or both as active ingredients. The magnitude and range of acute health problems associated with TRF usage has not been described previously. Here, Wheeler et al summarize illnesses and injuries that were associated with exposure to TRFs during 2001-2006 in eight states (California, Florida, Louisiana, Michigan, New York, Oregon, Texas, and Washington) and were investigated by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (CDPR) and state health departments participating in the SENSOR-Pesticides program. Moreover, the investigation's findings indicate that TRFs pose a risk for acute, usually temporary health effects among users and bystanders. To reduce the risk for TRF-related health effects, integrated pest management control strategies that prevent pests' access to food, water, and shelter need to be promoted and adopted. In addition, awareness of the hazards and proper use of TRFs need to be better communicated on TRF labels and in public media campaigns. Finally, three recent case reports that illustrate common patterns observed in the surveillance data are presented. A CDC editorial note is included.