Widespread Spraying Taking Place in New York City and Boston
by Mary J. Shomon
With fears on the rise in New York City and Boston over the potential spread of the West Nile Virus, both cities have embarked on widespread spraying programs to wipe out the infected mosquitos that spread the virus. Key insecticides being used in New York are resmethrin, which goes by a brand name "Scourge," and sumithrin, which goes by the name "Anvil." In Boston, only resemethrin is being used. Both pesticides, however, are under fire as potentially toxic chemicals that pose a danger to humans, wildlife and the environment.
Resmethrin and sumithrin, synthetic pyrethroid insecticides, are registered with the Environmental Protection Agency for use in mosquito control. While some experts claim they are not toxic to humans, they are considered particularly extremely toxic to fish and will not be sprayed in lakes, ponds or other areas where live fish may be exposed.
In some people, allergic responses to pyrethroids have been reported. There are also indications that pyrethroids as a class may interfere with the immune and endocrine systems. Other adverse chronic effects, including effects on the liver and thyroid, have been reported in toxicology testing.
The journal research raises the increasing public concern over exposure to these pesticides. According to toxicologists, animal tests showed that chronic exposure to resmethrin could increase thyroid weight and cause thyroid cysts. In animal studies, it was found that in addition to a variety of other health effects, exposure to pyrethroids can suppress both the thyroid's T4 and T3 levels, and raise Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) levels, key indicators of hypothyroidism - the underactive thyroid condition that has been diagnosed in as many as 8 million Americans, and plagues another more than 10 million undiagnosed Americans. According to researchers writing in the Journal of Applied Toxicology, "immense care is warranted in the use of insecticides, because they not only affect the liver, kidney and other organs but also may alter the activity of the endocrine glands." ( J Appl Toxicol 1996 Sep-Oct;16(5):397-400)
Other researchers have found that pyrethroids are environmental estrogens, and "through these hormonal pathways, exposure to certain pyrethroids may contribute to reproductive dysfunction, developmental impairment, and cancer." ( Estrogenic and antiprogestagenic activities of pyrethroid insecticides.)
Another study found that some pyrethroids have the potential to promote breast cell proliferation, an action that can increase cancer risk. (Estrogenic potential of certain pyrethroid compounds in the MCF-7 human breast carcinoma cell line.)
On orders of the Mayor, New York City's Central Park was shut down in evening, Monday July 24, 2000, for spraying. Spraying also took place in Staten Island, Queens and parts of Brooklyn and block by block through much of Manhattan. Most of the spraying will use Anvil, and Scourge may be used if more spraying is needed in other parts of the city.
Jay Feldman, executive director of the National Coalition Against the Misuse of Pesticides, a Washington, D.C.-based environmental organization, has said, "The city has overstepped the boundaries of safety and law in the handling of its mosquito prevention and management program, exposing the public to hazardous pesticides." The National Coalition filed a lawsuit against the City of New York on July 20, 2000 over the spraying, citing violations of federal and state environmental statutes.
William Cooke, a spokesman for the National Audubon Society in New York, commenting on the spraying to the New York Times, saying: "There's a grossly inadequate effort to track the collateral impact on the environment and on humans."
Spraying began in Boston on Friday, July 28, 2000, after discovery of some infected birds raised concerns that saying the mosquito-borne disease could spread statewide.
How to Minimize Your Exposure
While you can't prevent exposure entirely, given the spraying taking place in New York and Boston, the Public Interest Research Group has some suggestions regarding how to minimize exposure.
"Keep windows shut and air conditioners off during and after spraying for as long as possible. Bring pet dishes, toys, laundry, and other portable objects inside. Cover outdoor furniture, barbecue grills, sandboxes, and play equipment, and rinse off surfaces that cannot be covered before use. If you get directly sprayed, shower immediately. If you believe that you are experiencing symptoms as a result of pesticide exposure, call your doctor or your local poison control center."Children or adults who have asthma or a respiratory condition, and pregnant women should also stay inside when spraying occurs.
And remember to wash off any toys or equipment left outside before use, especially by children.
Who Else is in Danger?
Potentially toxic spraying may become a concern in other areas of the country soon, as experts believe that the West Nile virus is on the move.
"The virus is probably in every corner of North America by now," as well as parts of South America, says John Rappole from the Smithsonian Institution's zoo, in the July issue of Emerging Infectious Diseases magazine. According to Rappole, another outbreak could take place as early as this summer, in any area where there are enough infected birds. Said Rappole, "We think the next outbreak will be along the Gulf coast, where northern migrants remain concentrated," he says.
For More Information
- Hypothyroidism -- Key information from your Thyroid Guide
- The New York City Department of Health West Nile Virus Information
- The City of Boston West Nile Virus Information
- New York Public Interest Research Group / New York Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides -- Statement Regarding Emergency Pesticide Spraying for Mosquito Control
- National Coalition Against the Misuse of Pesticides
- Resmethrin Fact Sheet
- Resmethrin Fact Sheet -- From the Environmental Defense Fund
- Resmerthin Extoxnet Toxicology Fact Sheet
- Sumithrin Fact Sheet -- From the Environmental Defense Fund
- Sumithrin Fact Sheet
- Mosquito War 2000 - About's Brooklyn Guide coverage of the crisis
- West Nile Virus News -- About's Queens, NY Guide coverage
- Protect Yourself: West Nile Virus -- About's Upper East Side Guide coverage
- New York's complete spray schedule listing
- Beware the birds -- A deadly new disease is loose in the western Hemisphere -- from New Scientist magazine
- Mother Jones, "Danger in the Air"
- About.com Thyroid Disease Newsletter -- There are new developments happening all the time in the world of health, and even in conventional and alternative thyroid disease treatment. To make sure you don't miss any new information here at the site that might help, I put out a regular About.com Thyroid Newsletter that provides free updates on new features and new information here at the website. It's the best way to keep up with what's new here at the About.com Thyroid
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