Zika Pesticide linked to Increase in Autism
With Zika fear at an all time high, authorities are looking for ways to protect their citizens (well, kinda). To date, over 1,000 people in the U.S. have been infected with the Zika virus, and the government wants us to believe that (although it never has before) it is now causing severe birth defects- like microcephaly. People are obviously scared and worried.
One of the primary ways authorities are helping in the Zika war is by using aerial pesticides – chemicals that are sprayed from airplanes and helicopters. And while the number of states using aerial spraying or fogging is rising, some scientists are (FINALLY) raising serious questions about their safety.
Naled, the Zika Pesticide
From the article:
“One of the chemicals being used is an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved insecticide called Naled. Naled is a neurotoxin that kills adult mosquitoes. While this compound will provide protection against the Zika virus, there are several huge problems linked to its use.
In addition to killing important pollinators such as bees and butterflies, scientists found that high exposure to commonly used chemicals such as pyrethroids and the organophosphate trichlorfon could have severe negative long-term health effects. Trichlorfon, one of the main ingredients in Naled, has been associated with an increased risk of cancer, autism and birth defects.”
That’s correct. An increased risk of cancer, Autism AND birth defects.
A study from the University of California, done in 2014, found that pregnant women living within a few miles of farms where pesticides like Naled were sprayed, had a 60 percent increased risk of their child developing autism spectrum disorders or having developmental delays.
Toxic substances like pyrethroids have also been linked to breathing problems, involuntary twitching, seizures, and cancer. Even the EPA classified them as “likely to be carcinogenic to humans”. How is it then that pesticides containing pyrethroids or trichlorfon are being used in Zika response plans in many U.S. cities?
But this is the scary part (well, more scary or equally as scary), according to a spokesman for the American Mosquito Control Association, there are much better ways to combat Zika than spraying or fogging with harmful, autism-causing chemicals. The most effective way to combat disease-carrying mosquitoes is to get rid of all water containers and trash around the house. Doing that puts NO ONE in danger, doesn’t raise the risk for cancer or autism and doesn’t send people running indoors.
But, we know the spraying is going to continue so we MUST protect ourselves and our families. The simplest way we can do that is to get rid of trash and standing water on our property and maybe even encourage our neighbors to do the same- and if your neighbors want to do that but can’t, help them. Next, when you are enjoying the outdoors, use a good natural bug repellent. You can also buy flowers and plants that mosquitos HATE.
More from the article:
“Furthermore, the use of pesticides to stop the Zika epidemic is unlikely to stop, so you should protect your family from dangerous aerial spraying or fogging chemicals; get your hands on the spray schedules for your city or neighborhood. As reported by The Institute For Natural Healing, most aerial mosquito spraying occurs in the two hours before sunset and the one after. Make sure to stay inside during these times, and don’t forget to close windows and keep your pets inside.
Also, make sure to get clothes and toys inside, and cover sandboxes and swimming pools. If you must be outside, make sure to wear long sleeves and pants, and cover your mouth with a mask. If you have a vegetable garden, always make sure to wash your produce thoroughly to remove pesticide residues.”
Good luck Health Nuts. Stay safe!
XO- Erin
Source: NaturalNews
Source: Our original article on Zika Autism link from Time Magazine
Source: TIME Magazine (see for yourself)
