Why you should stop using Sniper insecticide indoors

The Sniper insecticide is very popular in Nigeria. It has been known as the most effective method of driving away insects including mosquitoes, cockroaches and more. However, on the bottle, it is clearly written that it is meant for outdoor use (on farms or greenhouses) and should be mixed with water to reduce the concentration.

Sniper belongs to the DDVP chemical family, 2,2-dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphate compound, marketed in Nigeria by a Swiss-Nigerian Chemical Company, as a synthetic organophosporus but many Nigerians have turned it into an indoor insecticide. One can be exposed to the many risks of DDVP by breathing it in, skin absorption, swallowing it, and eye contact.

Center For Disease Control (CDC) , states that the effects of exposure may include irritation of eyes, skin; miosis, eyes pain; rhinorrhea (discharge of thin nasal mucus); headache; chest tightness, wheezing, laryngeal spasm, salivation; cyanosis; anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; sweating; muscle fasciculation, paralysis, dizziness, ataxia; convulsions; low blood pressure, cardiac irregularity.

There are lots of insecticides that contain DDVP chemical, but Sniper insecticide still seems to be the most abused and overused; hence the emphasis.

It has been observed that people would rather use Sniper than other well established brands of insecticides because of its supposed effectiveness, the price and their ignorance of the health dangers.

A small bottle of sniper goes for between N200 and N250 while actual insecticides go for about N400 to N750.

ENCOMIUM Weekly spoke with health experts, consumers of Sniper insecticide and fumigation experts on the dangers of using sniper.

HEALTH EXPERTS

AKINOLU

Are you aware that people use sniper insecticide in their homes?

Yes, I am and it is very dangerous and poses a great threat to their health.

What are the health threats of using Sniper insecticide and other insecticides containing DDVP?

There are many health threats of using or being exposed to it. Sniper and other similar products that contain DDVP are poisonous and may damage vital organs such as the lungs and kidney and may cause cancer.

MARTINS

Are you aware that people use Sniper insecticide in their homes?

Yes, I am aware that people use Sniper insecticide in their homes and it’s very wrong. People need to be enlightened about it because it is highly dangerous to health.

What are the dangers of using Sniper and other insecticides containing DDVP?

Insecticides that contain DDVP can trigger or worsen an existing respiratory condition such as bronchitis, Asthma or even cause lung cancer. Inhaling it over and over weakens the lungs and kidney, causing cancer.

CONSUMERS

EMEKA

Do you use Sniper insecticide?

Yes I do, I use it to attack the stubborn mosquitoes and cockroaches in my house

Are you aware that it is dangerous to the health and even causes cancer?

No I’m not, I’ve been using it for over 2years and I’ve not had any problem.

MRS. FOLA ADEGBOLA

Do you use Sniper insecticide?

I used to use it but I stopped?

Why did you stop using it?

I stopped using it when my friend’s little child drank it and died from it. I have little children and don’t want to endanger them, children are very mischievous and may go to where it is hidden and play with it. It is better to be safe than to be sorry so I’ve decided to use the regular insecticide.

MRS. ABIKEMI ADELABU

Do you use Sniper insecticide?

Yes, I do because that’s about the only thing mosquitoes run from. They are used to the smell of regular insecticides.

Are you aware it causes cancer and is dangerous to health?

No, I am not, but now, that I know I will stop using it.

MRS. JOAN THOMAS

Do you use Sniper insecticide?

Yes, I do.

Are you aware that it is dangerous to health and can lead to cancer?

No, I am not aware, but I would be careful henceforth.

FEMI ADEOYE

Do you use Sniper insecticide?

I used to but I stopped using it, it made me really sick and I kept going from hospital to hospital. They were diagnosing different ailments when I couldn’t breathe well.

Do you use Sniper insecticide?

Yes, I do, and it kills cockroaches well and fast.

Are you aware that it is dangerous to health and can lead to cancer?

No I am not, but will stop using it now that I know that it can be deadly.

FUMIGATION EXPERTS

OLAMILEKAN

Are you aware that people use Sniper in their homes?

Yes I am and a lot of people use it raw or dilute with kerosene, and this is very dangerous. It should never be used by a non professional. There are other organic chemicals but they don’t damage the human organs like the DDVP. Note that DDVP is a family name and there are lots of brands out there that belong to that family, Sniper and Go90 seem to be the most popular and misused ones, especially Sniper.

As a fumigation expert what’s the best option for indoor pest/insect control?

First, people need to learn to always consult a professional rather than use chemicals as they like. They can always walk into a pest/insect control store and ask for best options for indoor use.  They would recommend products that have been carefully developed and mixed with the right chemicals in the right quantity so it does not compromise your health. There are many products without DDVP that are also affordable. An example is the Newlion fumigation.

OLUMUYIWA ALABI

Are you aware that people use Sniper pesticide inside their homes?

Yes, I am and it is very dangerous to health. I really wish that people would stop using it indoors and look for other effective and less dangerous insecticides and pesticides in the home.

As a fumigation expert what’s the best option for indoor pest/insect control?

Sniper is not safe and has been removed from WHO approved list of public health insecticides. So, people should consult with professional fumigation experts that will recommend healthy chemicals/products for use. There are some products that are odourless, there others that can be used every six months and would remain effective. Health is wealth so, always consult a professional.