When will this toxic pesticide spraying end? Large sections of Brooklyn will be sprayed this evening, August 9th. The pesticide spraying program for West Nile virus in New York City is now in its 19th year. It has never been reviewed by any city agency since its inception despite the continued use of toxic, harmful and carcinogenic chemicals over the city’s population and our environment. It began in 1999 by Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, continued by Michael Bloomberg, now Bill de Blasio.
Areas being sprayed with pesticides via truck this evening (rescheduled due to rain from August 8th) include Canarsie, Clinton Hill, Fort Greene, East New York, Downtown Brooklyn, Park Slope, Windsor Terrace, Bensonhurst, and too many more (full list below).
This follows spray “events” summer 2018 which began July 18th in the Bronx and have also doused parts of Staten Island and Queens. The pesticides being sprayed are harmful to human health and the health of the entire eco-system, including animals, birds, wildlife, insects, and more. They kill off natural predators of mosquitoes, including dragonflies and bats. You can view the NYC pesticide spraying schedule here. The program is run by the New York City Department of Health.
Statement on this pesticide spraying from No Spray Coalition Coordinator Mitchel Cohen:
“This is a HUGE area that the City is spraying in Brooklyn with carcinogenic pesticides.
It comes on the heels of massive spraying in Staten Island that poisoned a number of Staten Islanders this summer and sent them to the hospital.
The city’s announcement initially said they were spraying for Zika as well as West Nile, but last year the City admitted that there was absolutely no Zika threat in NYC.
The adulticide (pesticide) spraying is exactly the wrong approach to dealing with mosquitoes said to be carrying West Nile virus, yet the City has been giving itself exemptions every year from Local Law 37 (passed in 2005), which sought to greatly reduce the use of toxic pesticides.
In addition, the City under Mayor deBlasio, is continuing the dangerous approaches of Mayors Giuliani and Bloomberg, despite having lost a case in federal court (2006) brought by the No Spray Coalition. They’re just ignoring that court case decision and subsequent settlement, as well as the well-being of the people of NYC.
And on top of that, the current administration continues to apply the Monsanto product “Roundup” (glyphosate and other dangerous chemicals) to NYC parks and sidewalks. People really need to speak out against this mass-spraying of carcinogenic pesticides, and take action to hold our City officials accountable for the decisions they’re making.”
What You Can Do:
Write to Mayor Bill De Blasio here.
Write to your New York City Council Member here. Ask for a substantive review of this pesticide spray program which has gone unchecked since 1999.
We will update the site with more actions you can take. Check back!
New York City Department of Health Press Release:
NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND MENTAL HYGIENE
Mary T. Bassett, MD, MPH`
CommissionerFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, August 6, 2018
(347) 396-4177HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO CONDUCT SIXTH ADULTICIDING OF THE SEASON TO REDUCE RISK OF WEST NILE VIRUS
Trucks will spray pesticide in parts of Brooklyn on the evening of Wednesday, August 8August 6, 2018 – To reduce mosquito activity and the risk of West Nile virus, the Health Department will conduct its sixth adulticide treatment of the season. Trucks will spray pesticides in sections of Brooklyn on Wednesday, August 8 between the hours of 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. the following morning, weather permitting. In case of bad weather, application will be delayed until Thursday, August 9.
For the truck sprayings in Brooklyn, the Health Department will use very low concentrations of DUET®. The risks of pesticides applied by the Health Department for mosquito control are low to people and pets. Some people who are sensitive to spray ingredients may experience short-term eye or throat irritation, or a rash. People with respiratory conditions may also be affected. To stay safe during spraying:
Stay indoors, whenever possible.
Air conditioners can remain on. While unnecessary, you may wish to close air conditioner vents, or choose the recirculate function.After spraying:
While unnecessary, you can wash outdoor toys and equipment with soap and water.
Wash skin and clothing exposed to pesticides with soap and water.
Always wash fruits and vegetables with water.The most effective way to control mosquitoes is to eliminate any standing water. New Yorkers are also
encouraged to mosquito-proof their homes and take precautions when spending time outdoors.Reducing exposure to mosquitoes
Use an approved insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus (not for children under 3), or products that contain the active ingredient IR3535.
Make sure windows have screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes.
Eliminate any standing water from your property and dispose of containers that can collect water. Standing water is a violation of the New York City Health Code.
Make sure roof gutters are clean and draining properly.
Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs.
Keep them empty or covered if not in use. Drain water that collects in pool covers.Report standing water by calling 311 or visiting nyc.gov/health/wnv. For more information about West Nile virus, call 311 or visit nyc.gov.
Pesticide spraying this evening, Thursday, August 9th, neighborhoods:
Part of Bergen Beach, Brownsville, Canarsie, Clinton Hill, Crown Heights, Downtown Brooklyn, East Flatbush, East New York, Farragut, Fort Greene, Georgetown, Greenwood Heights, Mill Basin, New Lots, Paerdegat Basin, Park Slope, Prospect Heights, Prospect Lefferts Gardens, Prospect Park South, Remsen Village, Rugby, Spring Creek, Starrett City, Windsor Terrace, Bath Beach, Bensonhurst, Dyker Heights, and New Utrecht
Zip codes: Parts of 11201, 11203, 11204, 11205, 11207, 11212, 11214, 11215, 11216, 11217, 11218, 11219, 11220, 11225, 11226, 11228, 11232, 11234, 11236, 11238, 11239
Hi thank you for your educative information. I wonder if there is an Association for Victims of Pesticides that could enlighten the public at large? I’ve heard they is one in Europe that is creating quite an awareness… Too many people around are not even aware of the harm done to them due to pesticides. Count me in …subscribe me on your server list… I do wish to participate in any event the best I can.
wtf happens when u get sprayed in the face by these trucks walking down a sidewalk? i got sick for 2 days.
wtf happens when u get sprayed in the face by these trucks walking down a sidewalk? i got sick for 2 days.
Is it legal to spray pesticides in the middle of the night without any notice to residents living in a neighborhood or area being suprise contaminated with toxic anti-mosquito fog? Two trucks drove by our residence last night (one on each side of the street) at around 1 am and smoke was pouring out of them as they drove by. Theres nothing listed onlineon any websites from this year at all about spraying for mosquitos anywhere near this neighborhood for that date July 30 2019. Makes me wonder if there were other days when the trucks came through and noone was even notified. Kind of freaky to think about honestly, and it’s definitely an uncomfortable thought that it maybe wouldn’t seem important to whoever is orchestrating the bug exterminations to let people know ahead of time. People should have their windows closed when they roll past because of health and breathing concerns and it says it right on the state website. We all need to be able to stay safe and health and actually forreal know beforehand when that truck is coming through. It even said on the calendar on nyc.org that it was only staten island that was supposed to be sprayed yesterday and nowhere else, so why were they spraying in our neighborhood (an hour and a half out from staten island) with nothing about it listed on the online calendar and no warning? WTF? I think they need to be sued so that they stop harming people that way. It’s our God given American right to know what’s happening and when in our country’s neighborhoods at all times no exceptions.
Hi Rae, thanks for writing. Apologies for the delay. Staten Island was sprayed with pesticides on July 30th. Where are you located? If you were sprayed and not a listed neighborhood (and even if you were), I would suggest contacting your local City Council person and also your Community Board as well as the Borough President.
Definitely agree with you that there should be notice and people should be able to take preparations – better yet, no spraying!
See this updated post from No Spray about the 2019 spraying which has begun: https://nospray.org/2019/08/14/20-years-new-york-city-continues-toxic-indiscriminate-pesticide-spray-program/
Thanks,
Cathryn
No Spray Coalition