From No Spray Coordinator Mitchel Cohen:
I just checked the street poles around a park near my apartment in the spray zone where little kids play, and there was not a single warning sign [for Thursday night’s scheduled spraying]!
There is also no information about why this spraying is taking place — no numbers of infected mosquito pools cited, etc.
The No Spray Coalition denounces the NYC Department of Health issuing to itself a waiver from the provisions of City Law 37 (thank you Mayor De Blasio!), and the spraying of toxic pesticides in residential areas and public parks and streets!
Please call the Dept. of Health at #347.396.4058 and give them hell.
Also, Mayor de Blasio at 212-NEW-YORK or https://www1.nyc.gov/office-of-the-mayor/mayor-contact.page and tell him to STOP POISONING US AND OUR CHILDREN!!!
– Mitchel Cohen
Coordinator, No Spray Coalition
You can find email addresses of New York City Council Members here.
Pesticide Spraying Will Take Place on Thursday, August 29th between 8:30 p.m. and 6 a.m. in the following areas of Brooklyn and Queens:
Brooklyn Neighborhoods: Gravesend, Homecrest, Sheepshead Bay
ZIP codes: 11214, 11223, 11229, 11235
Queens Neighborhoods: Brookville, Cambria Heights, Laurelton, Rosedale, Saint Albans
ZIP codes: 11411, 11412, 11413, 11422, 11429, 11434
Press Release from the NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND MENTAL HYGIENE
Oxiris Barbot, MD Commissioner
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday,August 26, 2019
(347) 396-4177
HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO CONDUCT FIFTH ADULTICIDING OF THE SEASON TO REDUCE RISK OF WEST NILE VIRUS
Trucks will spray pesticide in parts of Brooklyn and Queens the evening of Thursday, August 29.
August 26, 2019 – To reduce mosquito activity and the risk of West Nile virus, the Health Department will conduct its fifth adulticide treatment of the season. Trucks will spray pesticides in sections of Brooklyn and Queens on Thursday, August 29 between the hours of 8:30 p.m. and 6 a.m. the following morning, weather permitting. In case of bad weather, application will be delayed until Tuesday,September 3 and Wednesday, September 4.
For the truck sprayings in Brooklyn and Queens, the Health Department will use very low concentrations of Anvil® 10+10 and/or DeltaGard® insecticide. 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:
•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 spendingtime 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.
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