Issue link: https://hi.iaq.net/i/191637
Climate Change, the Indoor Environment, and Health INFECTIOUS AGENTS AND PESTS 173 exposure at levels observed in populations exposed through indoor residual spraying or populations exposed through drift of outdoor applications. Rosas and Eskenazi (2008), in a review of the association between pesticides and neurodevelopment, concluded that although there are some inconsistencies among studies that may arise from differences in exposure and in methods of exposure assessment, there is surprising consistency in the few studies that have been conducted. The studies suggest that there is reason to be cautious about exposure of pregnant women to DDT, DDE, and organophosphates because of the potential effect on the neurodevelopment of their children. Integrated Pest Management If climate change causes the spread of diseases now considered to be tropical diseases into what are now more temperate climates, the use of pesticides could increase and have the potential to degrade indoor air quality. Alternatively, the concern about rodent and insect vectors could be used to promote wider use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). IPM is an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a combination of common-sense practices. IPM programs use current comprehensive information on the life cycles of pests and their interactions with the environment. That information, in combination with available pest-control methods, is used to manage pest damage by the most economical means and with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment (EPA, 2010). IPM integrates common principles in the approach that should be taken to control pests in the environment. First is setting a threshold for action. For indoor environments, the potential of harming building integrity or human health is considered before any action. Families need to consider alternatives to chemical pesticides and avoid using the wrong kind of pesticide for a problem. Many intervention programs have been implemented to help families to recognize how to manage indoor space to prevent pests from posing a threat. The extent to which a family has the resources or control to modify its home environment will determine the success of its IPM interventions. If chemicals are needed, IPM assesses the proper control method for both effectiveness and risk minimization. Researchers are beginning to study the effectiveness of IPM interventions in high-risk populations. Williams et al. (2006) reported on an IPM intervention study of pregnant New York City black and Latina women; the study used education, sealing of pest entry points, and application of low-toxicity pesticides. They were able to show decreased cockroach infestation; lower indoor air concentrations of piperonyl butoxide, which is a synergist commonly added to pyrethroid insecticides that were applied; and lower levels of insecticides in maternal blood samples at delivery. Copyright © National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.