Fumacê: what it is, what it is for and how it can affect health

Fumacê is a strategy used during periods of epidemics to reduce mosquito proliferation Temples of the Egyptians and reduce the transmission of diseases caused by this mosquito, such as dengue, Zika or Chikungunya.

This technique consists of driving a car that emits a “cloud” of smoke with low doses of a pesticide that eliminates most of the adult mosquitoes present in the region, and although it is not the safest way to eliminate mosquitoes, it is quite quick, easy and effective.

Generally, the dose used in one application is safe for human health, however, if the application is too frequent, the pesticide can accumulate in the body, causing some damage to the nervous system. See how you can eliminate mosquitoes safely and naturally.

What pesticide is used?

The pesticide used and approved by the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO) currently used in tobacco spraying is Cielo-ULV.

This pesticide contains two substances in its composition, pralethrin and imidacloprid, which cause poisoning in the mosquito’s nervous system, resulting in its death.

Cielo-ULV was approved to replace the previously used pesticide, Malathion, due to health risks and ineffectiveness in combating mosquitoes Temples of the Egyptians. Learn how to identify the Aedes aegypti mosquito.

Why was smoking banned?

Smoke is an emergency measure to combat outbreaks and epidemics of diseases such as dengue, Zika or Chikungunya.

This measure was prohibited due to the use of Malathion, which was the pesticide used in spraying, which after being applied remained in the air for up to 30 minutes, but remained on surfaces and on the ground for up to several weeks, while it was degraded by the sun, wind and rain.

However, this pesticide could also cause various effects on the environment and health, which is why it was banned in Brazil.

To carry out the fumigation, another pesticide was released by Anvisa, Cielo-ULV to control adult mosquitoes, being used in ultra-low volumes.

How smoking can affect health

As long as it is used at long intervals, fumigation presents no danger to health, as the dose of Cielo-ULV used is ultra low.

However, if fumigation is used without discretion, especially by private entities, it can lead to the accumulation of a very high dose in the body, which can cause poisoning.

Symptoms of smoke poisoning

The main symptoms of smoke poisoning are:

• Difficulty breathing;
• Vomiting;
• Irritation in the eyes, skin, mouth or throat;
• Fainting.

These symptoms arise because smoke acts directly on the central nervous system, which innervates all organs in the body.

If these symptoms appear after being near a smoke spray, it is very important to go to the hospital immediately to start appropriate treatment and avoid the appearance of sequelae.

How to reduce exposure risks

To reduce the chances of being exposed to a high dose of Cielo-ULV during a smoke spray, there are some precautions such as avoiding being at the spray sites for 1 to 2 hours or staying indoors if a smoke spray is taking place.

In addition, you must thoroughly wash your hands, clothes and objects that have been exposed to spraying and thoroughly wash foods that are stored or growing in regions sprayed by smoke, before cooking.

Often, fumigation is applied by private entities without regard for human health and, therefore, if this is observed, it is very important to immediately inform the authorities.

First aid in case of poisoning

First aid for smoke poisoning is:

1. Take the person to an airy, well-ventilated place;
2. Remove contaminated clothing that may have come into contact with the pesticide from the fumigant;
3. Wash the person’s skin thoroughly with soap and water if the pesticide has come into contact with the skin;
4. Rinse your eyes immediately with water for 15 or 20 minutes if your eyes have had contact with the pesticide and remove contact lenses, if you have them;
5. Do not make the person vomit, and if the person is vomiting, place them in the safety lateral position to avoid aspirating the vomit into the airways.

In addition, you must call SAMU on 192 or take the person immediately to the hospital.

While you are not receiving medical care, you should check whether the person is breathing, if they are not breathing, you should perform cardiac massage. Learn how to do cardiac massage correctly.

Read too: First aid for poisoning (step by step)