Most chemical pesticides on the market today come from nerve gas research developed during World War II. The intention is poisoning the nervous system of pests at levels low enough that humans are not affected. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the governing body to determine what application levels of pesticide chemicals are ‘safe’.
The EPA and the costs for research and testing are funded by the large chemical companies whose products they want the EPA to register. To register a pesticide, the EPA determines ‘safe’ application levels (for a 180 pound male) and then the public has the misguided notion that products are safe since they are ‘registered’. However, the EPA only registers substances that are known toxins, poisons, or carcinogens. So how can poisons, toxins and carcinogens ever be categorized as ‘safe’?
Cumulative effects of chemical pesticides are well documented to be contributing factors in many health issues such as ADHD, Infertility, Autism, Cancer, etc. The obvious lesson is synthetic toxic chemicals are just that – TOXIC!
One of the most common chemical pesticides for use on humans today is DEET. According to published studies, human exposure to DEET can cause eye irritation, pain and watering; skin irritation or redness, rash and swelling; stomach upset, vomiting and nausea; and can lead to seizures. Studies on animals showed irregular heartbeat and blood pressure issues and US soldiers have had severe dermatological effects using DEET. Per the Annals of Internal Medicine, absorption of DEET through the skin is between 9 to 56% of the applied dose and the rate of absorption is amplified if used in combination with sunscreen. All of this from a ‘safe’ EPA registered product.
Another misguided notion is that pyrethrum – a neurotoxin derived from chrysanthemum flowers – is safe because it is ‘natural’. First of all, natural does not mean safe – there are plenty of poisonous plants. But true pyrethrum is extremely rare since the quantity of flowers necessary is cost prohibitive. Instead, synthetic pyrethroids are presented as ‘natural’ when there is nothing natural or safe whatsoever when using them. Symptoms of exposure include tremors, increased aggressive behavior and disruption of learning. Pyrethroids mode of action is similar to that of DDT and some are known carcinogens. These are highly toxic to honeybees, all beneficial insects, fish, shrimp and oysters. However, numerous pest insects have developed pesticide resistance so stronger doses more frequently has become the norm.
What is the solution? All we need to do for safe pest control is look to Nature to see what is safe and effective – Cedar is the solution. Cedar is harmless to humans, animals, and all beneficial insects like honeybees and butterflies, yet it kills and repels pests.
So the next time you swat at mosquitoes, cringe at the sight of a roach, or curse the parade of ants in your kitchen, don’t use chemical pesticides – use safe pest control products made with cedar. Cedar works and best of all – it is safe!
