Bed nets and insecticides.Kenyan researchers report that insecticidetreated bed nets can reduce malaria-related deaths in children ("Keep Out," SN: 9/29/07, p. 195). While these nets appear to provide preventive measures against malaria, my only concern is the toxicity of the insecticides. The World Health Organization lists two of the insecticides used on the nets, bifenthrin and permethrin permethrin /per·meth·rin/ (per-meth´rin) a topical insecticide used in the treatment of infestations by Pediculus humanus capitis, Sarcoptes scabiei, or any of various ticks; also applied to objects such as furniture and bedding. , as possible human carcinogens Carcinogens Substances in the environment that cause cancer, presumably by inducing mutations, with prolonged exposure. Mentioned in: Colon Cancer, Rectal Cancer . Deltamethrin and cyfluhrin can have harmful effects on the nervous and endocrine systems. Is it ethical to prevent one disease now, but possibly foster the development of other diseases in the future? LOREN BABIRAK, ORONO, MAINE WHO calls insecticide-treated bed nets "one of the most effective prevention measures for malaria." WHO recommends nets that are treated with permethrin, etofenprox, or a pyrethroid py·re·throid n. Any of several synthetic compounds similar to pyrethrin, used as an insecticide. . Katherine Macintyre of Tulane University History Founding/early history The University dates from 1834 as the Medical College of Louisiana.<ref name="facts" /> With the addition of a law department, it became The University of Louisiana says these insecticides pose a health risk "only if you swallow them." Studies over the past 20 years show little public health danger from them. "Next to malaria, it's nothing," Macintyre says. --N. SEPPA SEPPA Southeastern Professional Photographers Association SEPPA St Edmund's Past Pupils Association |
|
||||||||||||||||||
Printer friendly
Cite/link
Email
Feedback
Reader Opinion