HEALTH TIPS: AVOIDING THE RISK THAT COMES WITH FUMIGATION.
Fumigation is a method of using chemicals to eliminate pests
within an enclosed space or we can say is the spraying of dangerous chemicals
to kill pests such as termites, bugs, cockroaches, rats and so on. These
chemicals can pose a great risk to our health if it comes in contact with our
skin or mouth, or if we inhale it.
It’s very important that we take necessary precautions to
ensure that we do not touch, or inhale these chemicals. Sometimes, odourless
chemicals may be used to fumigate, but the substance potentially pose a greater
risk than all others chemicals because the fact that you cannot smell it
increases your chance of remaining in the environment and inhaling the toxic
substance.
Signs of toxicity may be drastic with symptoms appearing
within a few minutes or hours. They include coughing, nausea, vomiting, red
itchy eyes etc.
A study found out that both insecticides and herbicides
significantly increased the risk of Parkinson’s disease by 70 percent. Furthermore
long term exposure to these chemicals has been shown to produce cancer.
Here are some few steps in planning and preparing in advance
before you fumigate.
·
Ensure you safely store all foods and
medications in sealed nylon bags. Other items that should be removing include
beddings, clothing, toys, open water containers etc.
·
If you have pets, you should relocate them and
remove pet toys, bones, bedding food & water bowls etc. and also you should
not throw any food or treat on the floor or surroundings because chemical
residues can contaminate food.
·
After you fumigate please leave the premises and
do not return until 24 – 48hrs after fumigation has been concluded because if
you return immediately, the space may still contain this harmful chemicals.
·
Before re- entry please ensure adequate
ventilation by leaving the doors and windows open for 15 to 30hrs. you can also
turn your fan on.
·
It is important that you take note of some signs
of toxicity such as coughing, the feeling to vomit, vomiting, red itchy eyes
and seek immediate medical attention as soon as possible.
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