Pest-control cowboys still using banned 'bombs'

An 11-year-old girl died last week in Sharjah due to pesticide poisoning. Her mother and her six-year-old brother are still battling for their lives.

Last month, a 35-year-old lady and two kids died in two separate incidents in Fujairah and Ajman, following similar circumstances.

Casualties arising from pesticide poisoning are increasing at an alarming rate, only because some residents continue to use the banned pesticide to clean up their houses.

“Every weekend, we are informed about food poisoning cases,” says Bobby Krishna, Principal Food Studies Officer at Dubai Municipality.

“Upon investigation, we learn that these cases are caused due to the exposure of highly toxic chemicals.”

In Dubai, his department works alongside with the Pest Control Section to investigate suspected food poisoning.

Despite numerous warnings, some residents continue to use the services of non-licensed pest control companies, and that’s where the problem lies.

“The problem is not the licensed companies. It’s the guys on the streets who often pass on these banned substances.

“It’s tough to trace these guys. And, they go on spreading the message using their mobile phones,” says Krishna.

And, the fact that the banned pesticide is odourless amounts significantly to the problem.

“Often, residents don’t suspect that their neighbour has carried out pest control because there is no smell. Hence, the risk is significantly higher.”

So, while those who get such illegal, low-cost pest-control done in their villas and apartments stay away while and after the pest control, the rest of the residents unsuspectingly inhale the poisonous gas.

“This is why the cases first emerge as food poisoning cases because the victim’s family is unable to determine that pest control activity was carried out in their neighbourhood.”

Krishna urges residents to use the services of Dubai Municipality-approved companies and to inform their neighbours and building watchman when they use pest control services.

Awareness is key in eradicating this menace, with the officer insisting that every residential building must put up posters explaining the consequences of using unlicensed companies. “This way, we can reach out to every resident even if they don’t subscribe to newspapers.

“They must know that it can be prevented or else it can be fatal.”

Dubbed the ‘bomb’, this pesticide has resulted in the many fatalities in the emirate.

He added the numbers in Dubai have significantly dropped. “This year, there have been no cases, but the issue still exists. As long as the guys are on the streets, this menace is far from over.”

When Emirates 24|7 contacted a handful of pest control companies listed in local newspapers’ classified sections, posing as a customer, we were denied access to the ‘bombs’ despite our insistence – which is an extremely positive sign.

“It is banned by the Dubai municipality,” claimed an agent at a top company, while another added, “Don’t you know it’s harmful? Two kids were killed in Ajman recently. Please don’t use this.”

Every listed agent, without fail, advised us against using the ‘bombs’, and some even detailed how it could do more harm than good.

“The Dubai Municipality does not allow its usage because it’s extremely harmful. Please don’t use it. It is not good.”

The phostoxin pesticide emits the phosphine gas which can be fatal if inhaled.

It is reported that authorities keep a log of every pellet and vial used in Dubai.

Dubai Municipality officially banned its use for domestic purposes in 2009, but many companies had continued to flout the rule.

The illegal use of this has led to numerous deaths in the past.

The culprits were identified in each case and some faced legal and deportation action.

Anyone who knows of agents selling these illegal fumigants, or using them, can inform Dubai Municipality on 800900.

At present, there are nearly 120 pest control companies licensed by the Dubai Municipality.

Dial Dubai Municipality Call Centre (800-900) or from Public Health Pest Control Section in Al Quoz (04-3474448) for the updated list of approved companies.

[Image via Shutterstock]

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