Health Canada Warns Citizens Not to Use Unregistered Bed Bug Control Products

Health Canada issued the below release on Feb. 23 following news that the death of an infant and the serious injury of other family members was the result of exposure to what appears to be a phosphine pesticide. A second child has since died as a result of this incident. This pesticide, which is highly toxic to humans and animals, was imported for personal use from abroad and was being used in the residence for the control of bed bugs. In Canada, phosphine pesticides can only be sold to individuals holding an appropriate pesticide applicator certificate or licence and are not approved for use on bed bugs. Health effects from exposure to phosphine can include severe injury or death.

 

Health Canada is also aware of other incidents involving the use of ozone generators (machines that produce ozone gas) for the control of bedbugs. Ozone generating devices are not safe to use and can cause respiratory problems including coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, and irritation of eyes, nose and throat.

 

Health Canada is warning Canadians of the extreme danger of using unregistered pest control products, including those imported from other countries or obtained when travelling abroad. The department reminds Canadians that pesticides should only be used according to the directions outlined on product labels.

 

What you should do

Bedbugs are very hard to get rid of. Health Canada strongly recommends hiring a licensed professional pest control operator to deal with a bedbug infestation. Contact information for exterminators or pest control operators can be found by contacting the Canadian Pest Management Association or by searching for local exterminators in the yellow pages or on Canada411.ca

 

Building tenants who have bedbugs should notify the landlord right away and should speak with a public health officer about dealing with the infestation.

 

In addition to hiring a licensed professional pest control operator, Health Canada advises anyone dealing with a bedbug problem to undertake physical control and preventative actions such as steaming, washing and throwing household items out.

 

Source: http://www.healthycanadians.gc.ca