In connection with media coverage of bed bug infestations The National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Protection (ANSES) warned on Tuesday, December 5, against the use of the product Sniper 1000 EC DDVP, although it has been banned for domestic use since 2013. The health authorities identify themselves with the poison control centers “ 170 events related to the Sniper 1000 EC DDVP product from January 1stum January 2018 to June 30, 2023. A total of 206 people were exposed during this period.”
In question: Dichlorvos, an active ingredient from the organophosphate familys, classified as fatal if inhaled and toxic if in contact with skin or swallowed. In particular, it can lead to respiratory problems such as asthma, eye problems, neurological disorders that can lead to loss of consciousness, and skin allergies, it says in detail.
This very substance has been banned in insecticides for domestic use since 2013, but Dichlorvos can still be purchased – particularly under the name Sniper 1000 EC DDVP “Illegal cycles” such as in markets and bazaars, particularly in the north of Paris and in Seine-Saint-Denis and, “to a lesser extent”, on e-commerce platforms. It can also be brought from abroad (outside the European Union) or given by a third party.
Investigations into “manslaughter” initiated
Poisoning by this insecticide is known “a raise” since 2018, with 104 cases in particular reported between January 2022 and June 2023, “Consider the increase in bedbug infestations”, notes the press release. Between 2017 and 2022, one in nine households was infectedestimated ANSES in July. “While most poisonings reported to poison control centers were mild, nearly 10% were of moderate severity and 5.5% were severe, including 3 deaths (accidental or suicidal ingestion).”according to authorities.
The Lyon public prosecutor’s office opened an investigation into “manslaughter”, “endangering the lives of others” and “illegal sale of a dangerous product” after this insecticide was discovered in the home of a dead elderly person, a judicial source told Agence France-Presse End November.
On its warning page for dangerous products Since November 8, the government has been drawing consumers’ attention to bottles of Sniper 1000 EC DDVP and urging them to stop using them. And one of the identified dealers conducted a voluntary recall that was shared on Rappel Conso’s website, authorities said Tuesday.
