Dubai residents warned against lethal pesticides

Dubai Municipalitty has urged residents to be cautious while using pesticides.

Buying pesticides from unauthorised sellers can be dangerous, said Hisham Abdul Rahman Al-Yahya, Head of Pest Control Section, Dubai Municipality.

Aluminium phosphide, which is usually in the form of tablets in gray colour, is available in cheap plastic bags with no warning labels on them,” Hisham said. It is commonly used by people to eradicate rats and other insects. The chemical reacts with moisture, air, and produces phosphine gas that is lethal, he added.

Aluminium phosphide should be used only in specific areas by licenced specialists, he said.

Consumers are urged to read the saefty precautions on pesticide packs before they buy.

Zuhoor Hussain Al Sabbagh, Director, Public Health Services Department, said Local Order No 11 of 2003 on public health and safety of the community to Article 37 prohibits importing and trading of pesticides without permission from the competent authority. The pesticides should comply with the specifications approved by the department.

The insecticides used should meet the health and environmental standards and technical requirements in order to prevent potential risks involved in using these products.

The department is hosting educaational programmes to raise awareness among residents on the use of pesticides.
 

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