There are varying degrees of hazards from indoor insect fogger inhalation for adults, children and infants. Insect foggers that are used indoors contain permethrin and resmethrin, which are highly toxic chemicals. Infants and toddlers have a higher risk of harm to their respiratory and immune system, and exposure may cause autoimmune disease. Care must be taken to ensure the chemicals do not settle on food, bedding, clothing or other items used in a household.
Impact On Children
Indoor use of insect foggers poses a serious risk to the health and safety of infants and young children. Children and babies who inhale dust that has been contaminated by the fogger's toxic chemicals run a risk of damaging their immune systems. Infants also run a risk of touching surfaces on the floor or objects that have been exposed to permethrin and resmethrin residue. They could develop immune-mediated respiratory and skin irritation.
Adult Health Hazards
Adults who are exposed to permethrin may suffer damage to certain nerve functions, which results from an altering of the nerve membrane biochemistry. Adults who have been exposed to indoor fogger use can experience nervous disorders, dizziness and varying degrees of twitching and other movement problems. Respiratory irritation problems can develop from the inhalation and may cause a change in neurologically-active proteins in the brain, depending upon the level of exposure to the toxins, according to the EPA.
Precautions
Before purchasing an insect fogger, make certain it does not contain toxic compounds that can create a health hazard for a family member who has asthma or other respiratory ailments. Remove yourself, your child and any pets from the room being treated, and check that the door and windows are firmly closed. Before you begin, cover all bathroom and kitchen countertops, pet-food dishes, bedding, toys and any other exposed surfaces from the settling of pesticide residue. After treating the area for four hours, ventilate the room for up to two hours before allowing anyone into the room.
In an Emergency
If you or someone in your family accidentally comes into contact with toxins emitted from the insect fogger, the degree of harm will depend upon the exposure time to the toxins. If the toxins are inhaled, immediately leave the area and get to fresh air outdoor. Before administering artificial respiration, call 911 or the police or fire department. In addition, call your doctor as well as the poison control system for advice on handle treatment problems, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
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