Killing off cockroaches and other perceived pests could come at quite a cost if the findings of a new study looking at chemicals known as pyrethroids holds true.
New data from Canadian researchers, published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, suggests the go-to bug-killing chemical found in more than 3,000 products in the United States could be disrupting children's brains, making it harder for them to pay attention and stay calm.
Looking at data from nearly 700 children ages 6 to 11, researchers found evidence that pyrethroid chemicals found their way inside roughly 97 percent of the children. Children with the highest levels of a common pyrethroid breakdown product were twice as likely to exhibit hyperactivity and attention problems as children with lower levels.
Pyrethroid flea bombs and roach killers are sometimes advertised as being safer than older pesticides more closely linked to behavioral problems in kids since pyrethroids are partially modeled after an active ingredient found naturally in chrysanthemum flowers. Still, studies suggests the chemical form (pyrethroids) is more toxic and long-lasting in the environment compared to the natural form (pyrethrins), according to Natural Resources Defense Council.
Pyrethroids are also sprayed on food crops, used in some bug sprays, and used in some municipalities in an attempt to kill mosquitoes. The chemicals can also be found in flea and tick products for dogs and head lice shampoos. They work as a nerve agent that disrupts bugs' brain activity. Studies have shown that come pyrethroid chemicals in popular bug killers are readily absorbed by tissue, including the brain; certain pyrethroids have also been shown to increase estrogen levels, which could be a cancer risk in humans.
To lower your family's exposure to pyrethroids, eat organic foods as much as possible and remove lice manually using nit combs instead of pesticide shampoos—it's more effective anyway.
For safer pet products, check out NRDC's GreenPaws Directory. If you have a pet problem at home, try these natural pest-control methods instead of reaching for chemical bug killers.
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