Fumigation is a form of pest control that can be very effective at eradicating particularly stubborn or widespread pest infestations. As you might guess, fumigation uses chemical fumes to disinfect or target-poison certain common pests such as mosquitoes, bedbugs, or cockroaches. However, does this effective treatment carry any risks to humans? Are there risks for the people who administer the fumigation? What about those home or business owners who live in the building after a fumigation? Is fumigation bad for human health?
Chemical Exposure
Fumigation works so well because it uses powerful chemicals and pesticides to kill off large numbers of pests. However, direct exposure to these chemicals through your skin or eyes can cause irritation. In severe cases or with extended exposure to these chemicals, humans may suffer more serious health issues. Symptoms of negative reactions include headaches, nausea, dizziness, and even neurological issues.
Inhalant Danger
Fumigation employs the use of poisonous gases, and inhaling these gases can be dangerous to humans. The danger of gases is of greatest concern during the fumigation, but there is also a concern for the time afterward as the gases dissipate. Additionally, fumigation gases are sometimes odorless which can make it hard to know if you are being exposed to them or not. Breathing in these fumes can lead to a number of health issues including respiratory issues, difficulty breathing, and lung irritation.
Allergies
Some individuals may suffer unique or unusually severe reactions to exposure to fumigation chemicals or fumes due to an allergic reaction. These reactions can be as mild as minor skin irritation to something more serious such as hives, swelling, or even anaphylaxis which can be potentially life-threatening if not treated right away.
Long-Term Effects
Exposure to fumigants over a long period of time may also have a negative effect on human health. If safety precautions are not used alongside proper use guidelines, humans may be at risk for developing chronic health conditions. Among the most common of these health issues are the risk of cancer, reproductive issues, and endocrine system problems.
Environmental Impact
The environmental impact of the use of fumigants very much depends on how these chemicals and pesticides are used. With responsible use, fumigation should not pose a great risk to the environment. However, when used or disposed of improperly, fumigants can contaminate the soil, water, and air. This can lead to many issues that have a negative impact on the health of surrounding ecosystems, endangering not only humans but plants and animals too.
Conclusion
Fumigation does carry a pretty long list of potential risks and you may be thinking that may be too dangerous to ever use. But the truth is that when used by professionals who use protective equipment and who follow safety guidelines, it can be used to effectively control pest populations while keeping all involved humans and non-target species safe. Additionally, many pest control companies now offer alternatives to fumigation which may be just as effective in some circumstances. Fumigations in Denver are available and can be done completely safely, but be sure to discuss other methods of pest control with your technician if you have concerns.