Smoke is a strategy found by the government to control mosquitoes, and consists of passing a car that emits a \ 'cloud \' of smoke with low doses of a pesticide that allows the elimination of most adult mosquitoes present in the region. Thus, this is a technique widely used during epidemic periods to eliminate mosquitoes and prevent the transmission of diseases such as dengue, Zika or Chikungunya.
Although it is not the safest way to eliminate mosquitoes, it is very quick, easy and effective, making it one of the main weapons used against mosquitoes during epidemics.
Generally, the dose used in an application is safe for human health, however, if the application is very frequent, the pesticide can accumulate in the body, causing some damage to the nervous system.
See how you can eliminate mosquitoes safely and naturally.
What pesticide is used
In Brazil, the pesticide that is used in the spraying of the smoke is Malathion. This is a substance developed in the laboratory that is widely used in agriculture to prevent the development of pests in crops.
Once sprayed, Malathion stays in the air for up to 30 minutes, but remains on surfaces and on the ground for up to several weeks, while being degraded by the sun, wind and rain. Thus, the period in which more care is needed is during the first 30 minutes, in which the pesticide can be easily breathed, even reaching the blood.
Although the doses are even lower, Malathion can still be ingested in food or water contaminated with the pesticide, for example.
How smoking can affect health
Since used with long intervals, smoking does not present a health hazard, as the dose of Malathion used is very low.
However, if smoking is used without criteria, especially by private entities, it can lead to the accumulation of a very high dose in the body, which can cause changes such as:
- Difficulty breathing; Feeling of heaviness in the chest; Vomiting and diarrhea; Blurred vision; Headache; Fainting.
These symptoms arise because Malathion acts directly on the central nervous system, which innervates all organs in the body.
If these symptoms appear after you are close to a spray of smoke, it is very important to go to the hospital immediately to start the appropriate treatment and avoid the onset of sequelae.
How to reduce exposure risks
To reduce the chances of being exposed to a high dose of Malathion during a spray of smoke, there are some precautions such as:
- Avoid being in spray locations for 1 to 2 hours; Stay indoors if smoke spraying is happening; Wash hands, clothes and objects that have been exposed to spraying well; Wash food that is stored or growing in regions sprayed by smoke before cooking.
Often, the smoke is applied by private entities without care for human health and, therefore, if this is observed it is very important to inform the authorities immediately.
