Autism linked to pesticides doesn't translate to structural pest control

Recently, Kirkland Patch posted up news about a recent study that links pesticides to autism: http://kirkland.patch.com/groups/trending-in-america/p/new-study-links-pesticides-to-autism-rates137...

I had the chance to read the article in full, and there's some key elements that I think need to be not overlooked to fully understand the role of pesticides and our homes.

The study was conducted in California, the nation's leading agricultural producing state, which would also have a higher application of pesticides which are critical for the modern agricultural community. 

I excerpt the opening sentence of the full article:
"Pregnant women who lived in close proximity to fields and farms where chemical pesticides were applied experienced a two-thirds increased risk of having a child with autism spectrum disorder...."

There shouldn't be any surprise that anyone, male or female, pregnant or not, living IN CLOSE PROXIMITY to fields and farms will increase the risk of exposure to pesticides. I'm not disputing the research findings that this exposure is now linked to an increased risk of autism. The vast majority of us, however, do not live in close proximity to agricultural centers, and I caution the reader to jump to reaction around pesticides.

Modern pesticide application is a science, and almost every pest control company now implements fundamentals of Integrated Pest Management (often referred to as "IPM"). Some companies, such as Cascade Pest, go as far as to seek out 3rd party certification as an IPM company, which means treatment protocols have a "least toxic" approach, and includes working hand-in-hand with our customers. Pest control technicians (previously referred to as "exterminators") are required here in Washington to pass the state's Department of Agriculture's licensing tests. Then, the State requires ongoing continuing education, or CE. Pest control companies will then have their own internal training and requirements. As an example, Cascade Pest provides training for our technicians well in excess of the annual requirement by the state.

If you have a pest control company treat around your home, whether an internal or external application, the
exposure to pesticides is far less than what it used to be prior to the 90s. Our treatments involve crack-and-crevice, and/or "spot" treatments where pesticides are specifically used in custom treatment plans - not in "bombing" the entire house until it is covered in a fog of pesticides. As a safety measure, we require a vacate-period for interior treatments to further reduce any risk of exposure. By comparison, agricultural application of pesticides have the inherent risk of "drift" based on weather conditions and application methodology.

Additionally, modern pest control in a structural setting (home or business) utilizes far less pesticides by volume than agricultural applications. An average home of 2,500 square feet being treated for ants, for example, might receive a treatment that utilizes less than 1/10th of an ounce of concentrate, dilute into a quart of water...and then applied very specifically to precise areas. Ultimately, if you are pregnant or have concerns about your children or elderly when considering pest control services, have a conversation with the company. Ask them about their protocols, their experience with IPM, and how they apply pesticides.

Have questions? Call us for a free, no-obligation phone consultation at (425) 641-6264, visit our website or our Google+ page for more information.