Latest update March 28th, 2024 12:59 AM
Feb 06, 2016 News
Countless speculation, raised eyebrows and numerous articles have been published in relation to Vector
Control protocols used during fogging exercises.
David Williams, Chief Inspector of Vector Control Services (VCS) has revealed vital facts about the principles used by his organisation. He has also affirmed that the chemical used in the fog, is environmentally friendly.
Mosquito Fogging is an exercise conducted by the Ministry of Health (MoH) in an attempt to eradicate the mosquito threat experienced by many communities across Guyana.
Since the 1940s the then Mosquito Control Centre in collaboration with MoH has been providing a service to Guyana. The organization has been using a chemical called DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) that led to many health problems. It was subsequently banned. Guyana uses it in a limited way.
Under the advice of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and MoH, the control centre started to use a mixture of Malathion which is extremely low to human toxicity, with Diesel.
When asked to explain the process of how the chemical is dispersed into the atmosphere, Williams said, “Our men would pour the mixture of Malathion and Diesel into the fogging machine. Adhering to safety procedures they are required to wear protective gears due to the fact that they are in direct contact with the released chemicals.”
He also shared a few key tips to follow when the fogging exercise is been undertaken. He explained that during the exercise persons are asked to open all windows and doors; cover all drinking water; secure all food(cooked or uncooked); secure all pets, poultry and keep all asthmatic cases away from the fog(droplets).
No fogging is done when raining because the chemical needs breeze to disperse.
“The public has nothing to worry about, the mixture we are using is 100 per cent environmentally friendly and certified by PAHO,” Williams said. He added that the mixture is certified by PAHO and has been extensively used among farmers to kill insects damaging their crop.
He related, “We distribute the product and they are also known instances when rice farmers have purchased the product online in bulks to help eliminate insects affecting their crop.”
VCS is located next to the Malaria Health Centre in the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) compound and their major priority is securing the health of individuals nation-wide. They are also tasked with finding solutions to mosquito menace.
When questioned about what can be expected from the organisation in tackling the Zika Threat, he said that fogging exercises have been increased nation-wide. According to him, the organisation in due time will cover all heavily affected mosquito areas.
“We have already started fogging villages on the borderline of Guyana along the Essequibo River”.
However, Williams said that they are alternate solutions to help destroy mosquitos.
“There is Abate, a powder that can be dissolved in water to kill mosquito larva. There is also a process known as ‘Net Impregnating Mosquito’. A ‘netting’ is mixed with the chemical Fen-Dona and soaked in water for five minutes. It is then cooled in an environment absent of sunlight. Any vector or insect that comes into contact with the netting will die.”
The Inspector has revealed that a fogging exercise would cost the Government approximately $200,000 per session. He related, “We have to take into consideration man power, fuel costs for vehicles used and the fog machine.”
Williams has presented the 2016 Fog Schedule to this publication and reassured that his company will tackle even the smallest of communities in Guyana.
THIS IDIOT TELLING GUYANA WE HAVE NO SAY IN THE 50% PROFIT SHARING AGREEMENT WE HAVE WITH EXXON.
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