Resources for Pesticides and West Nile virus

Hello:

With the current outbreak and interest in West Nile virus, mosquitocides and
insect repellents, I would like to bring to your attention a source of
information on these topics that may useful to your clientele, i.e. the
National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC). NPIC provides objective,
science-based information about the pesticides (mosquitocides and insect
repellents) that are used in mosquito control, via a toll-free telephone number
(800-858-7378). In addition, the NPIC web site (http:\\npic.orst.edu\wnv)
provides access to information about pesticides and toxicology; mosquitoes and
West Nile virus; effects of WNV on humans, animals and wildlife; contacts to
local, state and federal organization, maps and statistics.

Please consider using the information below in your outreach efforts about the
pesticides used in mosquito control related to West Nile virus.

PROPOSED OUTREACH INFORMATION:

Here is a resource that may be useful to you or your public (customers) when
concerns arise over the use of pesticides related to West Nile virus or other
mosquito control issues. Health-related concerns of the public over the use of:
1) insecticides to control mosquitoes or 2) preventative applications of
mosquito repellents (DEET), can be addressed by the National Pesticide
Information Center (NPIC), a cooperative effort between Oregon State University
and the US Environmental Protection Agency. NPIC provides objective,
science-based information related to pesticides via a toll-free phone service,
email, and the web.

Addition of one or both of the following statements might be considered for
inclusion in your public notices:

1. Whenever you use an insecticide or insect repellent (DEET), be sure to
carefully read and follow the manufacturer's DIRECTIONS FOR USE, as printed on
the pesticide product label. If you have health-related questions or concerns
about insect repellents (DEET) or insecticide products used to control
mosquitoes in and around the home, contact the National Pesticide Information
Center (NPIC) at 800-858-PEST (800-858-7378), or visit http://npic.orst.edu and
click on "West Nile Virus Resource Guide".

2. For other information about pesticides used to control mosquitoes,
contact the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) at 800-858-PEST
(800-858-7378), visit http://npic.orst.edu/ and click on "West Nile Virus
Resource Guide", or visit the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) website
at http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/factsheets/skeeters.htm

For additional information also see, EPA's Press Announcement on August 14,
2002, (direct link:
http://www.epa.gov/oppfead1/cb/csb_page/updates/westnile.htm ) which provides
additional information you might find useful.

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me at
800-858-7378.

Thank you,

Crista Chadwick
NPIC Project Coordinator
Oregon State University
Environmental and Molecular Toxicology
333 Weniger Hall
Corvallis, Oregon 97331
(800) 858-7378
chadwicc@ace.orst.edu
http://npic.orst.edu
npic@ace.orst.edu
Received on Thu Feb 13 12:17:29 2003