When I was a young girl, my parents received notification that there would be aerial pesticide sprayings. Not to worry, the city assured residents, you can still live in your homes during this time – just make sure to cover your cars as the chemicals can damage the paint on your car…
My parents packed us up and checked into a hotel that was nowhere near the flight path of the pesticide planes.
Now, the mayor of Dallas, Michael Rawlings, has called for aerial pesticide spraying in Dallas for the first time since 1966 in order to deter the spread of the West Nile virus, which has infected 200 and killed 10 in Dallas alone.
Many are concerned about the safety of aerial pesticide spraying, but Mayor Michael Rawlings felt this would be the best options, and was recommended in Atlanta by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The New York Times reports that there are a number of Dallas residents that are against the sprayings, due to its potential harm on humans, honey bees, or just the complete ineffectiveness of the sprayings.
Regardless of what happens, CNN Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, provided some helpful hints to minimize contamination to toxins from aerial sprayings. Dr. Gupta recommends residents avoid areas that have just been sprayed and to take off your shoes before entering the home. Taking off your shoes is a simple step to minimize the toxins that are tracked into your home.
As far as avoiding mosquito bites, and the spread of the West Nile virus, Dr. Gupta recommends long sleeve apparel, even in this heat. He also suggests getting rid of standing water near the home, as this is where mosquitoes breed.
