TECHNICALLY SPEAKING: National Security And Pest Management

Our entire nation was affected by the events of Sept. 11. It is a time none of us will ever forget. Despite those tragic events, the nation, our citizens and our industries are forging ahead. These events have precipitated an unprecedented level of fear in our country and many people are wondering what they can do to help.

The pest management industry uses materials and equipment that have caused some concerns regarding national security. Pesticides in the wrong hands could be used to contaminate water and food supplies, injected into building air supplies through HVAC equipment, and dispersed in various conveyances, such as subways and aircraft. The worst-case scenario is that these activities would cause some fatal injuries, however, the more likely effects would be illness and irreparable contamination of water and food sources.

In my lay opinion the products of greatest concern would be acetylcholinesterase-inhibiting compounds, such as chlorpyrifos, diazinon, dichlorvos, malathion and other organophosphate pesticides. Acute toxicants, such as zinc phosphide, would be another group to be concerned about. Rounding out my list are fumigants, such as phosphine, sulfuryl fluoride and methyl bromide. I know that there are a host of other products used by the agricultural and lawn care industries that would also cause concern.

Another issue of concern is pesticide dispersal equipment, such as liquid dispersal equipment, ultra-low volume (ULV) sprayers, thermal foggers, aerosol generators and aerial dispersal equipment. While this equipment is designed for pesticides it could be used to rapidly disperse chemical and biological agents over large areas.

TAKING PRECAUTIONS. We can do the following to minimize the risk of our products being used as terrorist devices:

Pesticide Storage. Pesticides should be stored in a secured area and a climb-proof fence should surround the building. The storage area should be accessible from the interior of multi-use buildings. On stand-alone facilities, exterior doors to the storage area should be metal and have a keyed deadbolt lock. Ideally the facility should have a security system.

Equipment Storage. Equally important as pesticide storage is the secure storage of pesticide dispersal equipment, particularly devices designed to disperse large quantities of material or generate aerosols. Similarly, these devices should be stored in secure areas and locked up.

Disposal of Pesticides. During my days of inspecting pesticide storage facilities, I remember finding all kinds of the “good stuff,” such as Paris green, hydrogen cyanide, DDT, etc., tucked away in a back corner of the storage facility. In most cases, these products were still on hand because pest management personnel did not know how to properly dispose of these outdated products. And, in some cases, these products were being saved for that “special” occasion. I suspect that both of these situations still exist today. There is no better time than the present to dispose of excess, outdated and canceled pesticides. If you have any questions regarding disposal of products, contact your state pesticide regulatory agency and/or your regional EPA office for assistance.

Inventory Control. Storeroom and service vehicle inventories should be maintained at levels commensurate with operational needs. Inventory should be carefully controlled and periodically checked for loss and excessive consumption rates. The theft or unaccounted loss of any product should be promptly reported to a supervisor and legal authorities.

Know Your Customer. Companies selling pesticides and equipment over-the-counter should know their customer, particularly if a large quantity is being purchased. Technicians should be wary of customers and other individuals asking unusual questions about pesticide mode of action and toxicity, and particularly how they might acquire highly toxic products and/or large quantities. Such inquiries should be referred to the manager.

Keep Your Eyes and Ears Open. As are technicians in other service industries, pest management technicians typically are in a position to observe things that average citizens are not. Because technicians run the same routes repeatedly they have the opportunity to notice things out of the ordinary, e.g., a suspicious truck, package, box, etc. They may also notice a change in personnel or observe something unusual in a building they service. Such observations should be mentioned to management before taking any other action.

Notify Authorities. During these times of heightened concern, no one should be reluctant to report any suspicious activity regarding pesticides and dispersal equipment. It is better to be safe than sorry and saying after the fact, “If only I had taken the time to say something.” The theft of pesticide dispersal equipment and/or pesticides, which if misused would pose an imminent hazard to humans, food, water, and/or the environment, should be reported to authorities, e.g., local police and FBI. Likewise suspicious activity of concern should be reported to management and subsequently to legal authorities for investigation.

The author is technical director of American Pest Management, Takoma Park, Md. He can be reached at rkramer@pctonline.com.