WASHINGTON, D.C. — The debate over whether or not to use pesticides for mosquito control — an increasingly hot topic with the continued spread of mosquito-borne West Nile virus — took center stage on CNN’s Next program Sunday, Aug. 24.
Allen James, president of Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment (RISE), debated Jay Feldman, executive director of Beyond Pesticides/National Coalition Against the Misuse of Pesticides (NCAMP), for the segment.
James explained the industry’s position on the use of sprays and fogs for mosquito control, noting that this method is the only way to control adult flying, biting mosquitoes. He also cited recent reports from the U.S. EPA and the Centers for Disease Control recommending the use of sprays and fogs as part of an effective mosquito control program.
In addition, segments from RISE’s 2.5-minute video about West Nile virus were shown. The video clip shows the important role communities play in protecting citizens' health and safety. It can be viewed at www.westnilevirusfacts.org, a RISE Web site that provides information about WNV.
Feldman presented the opposing viewpoint that the threats pesticides pose to humans outweigh the dangers of West Nile virus. Feldman even discouraged viewers from using DEET products (insect repellents) even though they are CDC-approved.