2023-09-07 05:42:09
Opponents believe that the molecule used in the insecticide, deltamethrin, is not selective enough and will have a negative impact on local wildlife.
The proliferation of the tiger mosquito in France, a public health issue that comes up against several pitfalls. Wednesday morning, a mosquito control operation planned in the streets of Saintes, in Charente-Maritime, was prevented by the mobilization of around thirty environmental opponents who believe that the molecule used in insecticides during these operations is too dangerous.
“They gave up because they considered that the presence of these citizens, who opposed this spreading, was an unsatisfactory condition in relation to the dangerousness of this molecule. All that to kill a few mosquitoes, you have to come to your senses “, explains to BFMTV, the EELV MEP Benoît Biteau.
Bad for the environment, not for people
According to opponents, deltamethrin, which was to be used over a perimeter of 150 meters in this Saintais district strewn with tall grass and abandoned gardens which favor the proliferation of mosquitoes, is too toxic and not selective enough. In addition to mosquitoes, it would also eliminate, according to them, bees and aquatic organisms.
“The impact on the ecosystem is significant, it will clean up everything in terms of insects. There is no selective insecticide that will say ‘I only kill mosquitoes’,
it’s the only way that exists”, explains, on the antenna of BFMTV, Antoine Cohen, expert in the fight against mosquitoes for Biogents.
On the other hand, according to the latter, deltamethrin is without risk for human beings.
“It is a product that can be dangerous in large doses. Afterwards, if it is an intervention like that, and especially for a case of illness, that we are inside and that we do not take the spraying in the face, the risks are minimal”, assures the expert.
The rescheduled intervention
The decision for this mosquito control was taken by the Regional Health Agency of the department after the appearance of a case of arbovirus (dengue, chikungunya or Zika) in the town earlier in the week. On the side of the health authorities, we deplore the postponement of this intervention.
“We do it because it is the only method to reduce a proven human health risk. These are insecticides regulated by ANSES, in well-defined circumstances of use, at night, with security perimeters, information to the population concerned, and with precautionary measures to be taken”, explains to BFMTV Laurent Flament, director of the ARS of Charente-Maritime.
Mosquito control must be rescheduled at a later date with another type of insecticide which, according to the ARS, is less controversial but also less effective. Since the beginning of the year, 75 operations of the same type have been carried out in the area.
Faced with the limitless proliferation of the tiger mosquito, many municipalities, including in the Paris region, are asking the State to intervene and provide more effective support for municipalities.
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