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Pesticide Fact Sheet

Municipalities were encouraged to share this information with all residents in their community

“Fyfanon ULV®"

This Fact Sheet sheet answers some basic questions about mosquito control products in use in your county. Passaic County Mosquito Control, along with several other resources (listed at the end of this sheet), can provide more detailed information.

What is Fyfanon ULV insecticide and how is it used?

It is an insecticide product that is recommended for Ultra-Low-Volume (ULV) mosquito control in New Jersey by Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. It contains a pesticide called malathion. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) current evaluation considers this malathion-containing product to be slightly toxic with minimal potential risk to people when used properly as part of an integrated mosquito control program.

This malathion-containing product is used for the control of adult mosquitoes. While habitat management and measures to control immature mosquitoes in water are preferred and most used, the spraying of adult mosquitoes is called for when biting populations reach critical levels or when a disease organism is present in adult mosquitoes. A very fine mist is sprayed into the air since flying mosquitoes must directly contact the pesticide in order for it to be effective.

How can I reduce my exposure to malathion?

Because of the very small amount of active ingredient released per acre, the risk to the general public from the use of malathion- containing products is minimal. Avoiding exposure is always the safest course of action. Any possible exposure risk can be reduced by following some common sense actions:

• Pay attention to notices about spraying found through newspapers, websites, automated telephone messages or distributed by municipal, county or state agencies.
• Plan your activities to limit time spent outside during times of possible pesticide treatments.
• Move your pets, their food, and water dishes inside during ULV application.
  Stay away from application equipment, whether in use or not.
• Whenever possible, remain indoors with windows closed and with window air conditioners on non-vent (closed to the outside air) and window fans turned off during spraying.
• Avoid direct contact with surfaces that are still wet from pesticide spraying. Do not allow children to plaApril 2, 2007 dried (approximately one hour).
• If you must remain outdoors, avoid eye and skin contact with the spray. If you get spray in your eyes or on your skin, immediately flush and rinse with water.

What are the symptoms of exposure to malathion?

Symptoms of over-exposure can include headache, nausea, dizziness, excessive sweating, salivation, excessive tearing and a runny nose. The chance of experiencing these symptoms of over exposure with proper use is low. You should contact your physician, other medical providers or the New Jersey Poison Information and Education System (NJPIES) at 1-800-222-1222 if you experience these symptoms following a pesticide spraying.

How long will Malathion last in the environment?

The Malathion spray stays in the air for a short time until it lands on surfaces. Malathion has a low persistence and breaks down in water and soil within 1 to 25 days. Malathion breaks down faster in sunlight.

Where can I get more information on malathion?

The following are resources for more information regarding Fyfanon ULV® and mosquito control in your area (unless otherwise noted, available during normal business hours):

For overall pesticide-specific information — 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM:

National Pesticide Information Center 800-858-7378

For pesticide health information & possible exposures — 24 hours:

NJ Poison Information & Education System 800-222-1222

For pesticide regulation & misuse complaints:

NJDEP Pesticide Control Program 609-984-6568

For pesticide regulation:

USEPA Region 2 Office of Pesticide Programs 732-321-6768

For pesticide health information:

Passaic County Department of Health 973-881-4396

For mosquito control insecticide recommendations:

Rutgers University, Department of Entomology 732-932-9459

Where can I get more information about local mosquito control?

Passaic County Mosquito Control 973-305-5754

For state-wide mosquito control information:

NJDEP Office of Mosquito Control Coordination 609-292-3649