9/18 Cupertino Fogging #19

    Fogging # 19 in Santa Clara County this year.

Vector Control will spray toxic pesticides from the back of trucks into the air, from 11pm to 3am on Thursday, 9/18 in Cupertino .   See the map below.  See our advice for how to protect yourself,your families, and pets below.  Your comments to County Supervisors are making a difference!  Please continue to contact  ALL Supervisors:   click here to help.

If not you, then who?

Please attend the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors' meeting and show your support to stop the fogging.  Just attend & hold the signs I will bring (find us in the back of the room on the Right).  We must continue to show a growing public protest.  If you'd like to speak to the board, you get 2 minutes.  We will find out which agenda item and the approximate time during the meeting about a week before.   Tuesday, Sep 23, between 9am-3pm. 70 West Hedding San Jose. First Floor, Board Meeting room.  Please let me know if you will make it! 

Sign the petition: Click here (Anyone can sign- it’s not a ballot issue, just shows support)

Like, Share, Comment on Facebook:  Click here

Santa Clara County Vector Control claims that they are fogging to stop West Nile Virus, BUT the research shows otherwise:

1.  There are only 6 human cases of West Nile Virus (WNV) in Santa Clara County in 2014 & NO deaths,  so there is NO emergency. (Latest West Nile Activity in California, 2014)

     The use of pesticide fogging was supposed to be a "last resort" in a human epidemic of WNV, to knock down lots of infected adult mosquitoes.  Currently, there is only 1 infected mosquito in every 100, but it only takes finding 1 infected mosquito pool for Vector to fog again.  

2. It is not effective against the spread of West Nile Virus.(Reddy, 2006)  It only kills a few adult mosquitoes that happen to fly into the fog.  The others hiding in bushes will survive and lay more eggs.  All the larvae in the standing water around the yard will hatch the next day and the cycle starts over again. Also, the continued use of pyrethroids (the synthetic nerve toxin in the fogging pesticide) creates pesticide-resistance in the surviving mosquitoes (Marcombe, 2011).  So, frequent foggings only create the need for an even more toxic, stronger pesticide if a mosquito-born disease emergency ever did strike our county.

3. Vector control gets over $6.8 million from OUR parcel taxes every year.  They should be spending those funds on educating people to clear standing water every week.  Or advertising the free mosquito fish for contained ponds and unused pools.  Or taking the time to work with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to find other ways to control mosquitoes without harming the environment and adding another toxin to our bodies. Maybe they can give away CO2 mosquito traps like the ones they use to collect samples? Maybe they can give away mosquito nets & insect repellent for anyone who wants to avoid getting bitten while sleeping? 

4. The pesticide used is Zenivex E4.  The active ingredient is Etofenprox, a synthetic nerve toxin.  While most mammals might detoxify Etofenprox in isolation, we live in a pool of chemicals and many people do not have perfectly functioning livers.  Research shows that this toxin DOES accumulate in the body, and also passes from mother to child via placenta and milk.

5.   The County Dept of Environmental Health told us that they rely on the manufacturer's testing and the EPA for safety.  It is not safe nor responsible to rely on one biased source of information when it concerns Public Health.  The MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) shows toxicity levels from only rat and rabbit experiments.   It also states that this chemical is a known toxin for bees and aquatic life. The County assumes that it is safe for humans because they falsely believe that mammals will detoxify the pyrethroid.

6.  It is toxic to bees and other beneficial insects.  The toxin has a half-life (the time it takes for half of it to degrade) of 4.5 days on the ground.  It takes 3 half-lives to clear it.  So, the toxin is around for 2 weeks after each fogging.  This is enough that bees get a sub-lethal dose,  and cannot fly back to the hive.  Fogging also kills beneficial insects which stops the natural predators of mosquitoes and disables the interdependent lives in our ecosystem.

7. Special populations are not able to detoxify the toxin, and then it will accumulate in the body.  Babies livers are not developed yet.  Pregnant and nursing moms can pass the toxin to babies via placenta and milk. (Alonso, 2012)   Elderly, immune-compromised, and anyone with liver disfunction may not  detoxify the toxin. They should at least be warned by the County to take precautions to protect their families.  Currently, Vector states that "Generally, residents do not need to take any special precautions before or after the fogging".   We believe this is blatent disregard for the health of special populations, perhaps everyone.

Our recommendations below for protecting yourself and your family are taken from the WONDERFUL article by folks at ToxicsAction.  See the article HERE.

(Our comments are in the parentheses)

1. Keep windows closed during and immediately after spraying. If possible, also turn off air conditioners (that circulate outdoor air back inside).

2. Stay inside and keep children and pets inside during spraying and until the next morning after spraying.

3. Bring in or cover portable outdoor furniture, toys, laundry, pet dishes and tools.

4. Cover larger outdoor items such as barbecue grills or sand boxes. Swing sets and items that cannot be covered should be rinsed (or wiped down)  thoroughly after the spraying.

5. Cover fish ponds because pesticides are highly toxic to fish (and other aquatic life).

6. Cover vegetable (and fruit) gardens if you can with plastic sheeting; wash any exposed vegetables before storing, cooking or eating.

7. Remove shoes when entering the home after spraying because pesticides can be tracked indoors and remain toxic for months in synthetic carpet fibers. Pesticides used for mosquitoes are most easily degraded in direct sunlight and are sheltered when inside where they do not degrade quickly.

8. Hose off (or wipe down) window screens, door handles and hand railings after spraying occurs to avoid direct contact.

Please contact us to help stop the fogging of toxic pesticides.  Email here

8/ 28/14 Santa Clara, San Jose Fogging #18

    Fogging # 18 in Santa Clara County this year.

Vector Control will spray toxic pesticides from the back of trucks into the air, from 11pm to 3am on Thursday, Aug 28 Santa Clara & San Jose.   See the map below.  See our advice for how to protect yourself,your families, and pets below.  Your comments to County Supervisors are making a difference!  Please continue to contact  ALL Supervisors:   click here to help.

 

Sign the NEW petition: Click here (Anyone can sign- it’s not a ballot issue, just shows support)

Like, Share, Comment on Facebook:  Click here

Print & Distribute flyers: Click here

Santa Clara County Vector Control claims that they are fogging to stop West Nile Virus, BUT the research shows otherwise:

1.  There are only 3 human cases of West Nile Virus (WNV) in Santa Clara County in 2014 & NO deaths,  so there is NO emergency. (Latest West Nile Activity in California, 2014)

     The use of pesticide fogging was supposed to be a "last resort" in a human epidemic of WNV, to knock down lots of infected adult mosquitoes.  Currently, there is only 1 infected mosquito in every 100, but it only takes finding 1 infected mosquito for Vector to fog again.  

2. It is not effective against the spread of West Nile Virus.(Reddy, 2006)  It only kills a few adult mosquitoes that happen to fly into the fog.  The others hiding in bushes will survive and lay more eggs.  All the larvae in the standing water around the yard will hatch the next day and the cycle starts over again. Also, the continued use of pyrethroids (the synthetic nerve toxin in the fogging pesticide) creates pesticide-resistance in the surviving mosquitoes (Marcombe, 2011).  So, frequent foggings only create the need for an even more toxic, stronger pesticide if a mosquito-born disease emergency ever did strike our county.

3. Vector control gets over $6.8 million from OUR parcel taxes every year.  They should be spending those funds on educating people to clear standing water every week.  Or advertising the free mosquito fish for contained ponds and unused pools.  Or taking the time to work with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to find other ways to control mosquitoes without harming the environment and adding another toxin to our bodies. Maybe they can give away CO2 mosquito traps like the ones they use to collect samples? Maybe they can give away mosquito nets & insect repellent for anyone who wants to avoid getting bitten while sleeping? 

4. The pesticide used is Zenivex E4.  The active ingredient is Etofenprox, a synthetic nerve toxin.  While most mammals might detoxify Etofenprox in isolation, we live in a pool of chemicals and many people do not have perfectly functioning livers.  Research shows that this toxin DOES accumulate in the body, and also passes from mother to child via placenta and milk.

5.   The County Dept of Environmental Health told us that they rely on the manufacturer's testing and the EPA for safety.  It is not safe nor responsible to rely on one biased source of information when it concerns Public Health.  The MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) shows toxicity levels from only rat and rabbit experiments.   It also states that this chemical is a known toxin for bees and aquatic life. The County assumes that it is safe for humans because they falsely believe that mammals will detoxify the pyrethroid.

6.  It is toxic to bees and other beneficial insects.  The toxin has a half-life (the time it takes for half of it to degrade) of 4.5 days on the ground.  It takes 3 half-lives to clear it.  So, the toxin is around for 2 weeks after each fogging.  This is enough that bees get a sub-lethal dose,  and cannot fly back to the hive.  Fogging also kills beneficial insects which stops the natural predators of mosquitoes and disables the interdependent lives in our ecosystem.

7. Special populations are not able to detoxify the toxin, and then it will accumulate in the body.  Babies livers are not developed yet.  Pregnant and nursing moms can pass the toxin to babies via placenta and milk. (Alonso, 2012)   Elderly, immune-compromised, and anyone with liver disfunction may not  detoxify the toxin. They should at least be warned by the County to take precautions to protect their families.  Currently, Vector states that "Generally, residents do not need to take any special precautions before or after the fogging".   We believe this is blatent disregard for the health of special populations, perhaps everyone.

Our recommendations below for protecting yourself and your family are taken from the WONDERFUL article by folks at ToxicsAction.  See the article HERE.

(Our comments are in the parentheses)

1. Keep windows closed during and immediately after spraying. If possible, also turn off air conditioners (that circulate outdoor air back inside).

2. Stay inside and keep children and pets inside during spraying and until the next morning after spraying.

3. Bring in or cover portable outdoor furniture, toys, laundry, pet dishes and tools.

4. Cover larger outdoor items such as barbecue grills or sand boxes. Swing sets and items that cannot be covered should be rinsed (or wiped down)  thoroughly after the spraying.

5. Cover fish ponds because pesticides are highly toxic to fish (and other aquatic life).

6. Cover vegetable (and fruit) gardens if you can with plastic sheeting; wash any exposed vegetables before storing, cooking or eating.

7. Remove shoes when entering the home after spraying because pesticides can be tracked indoors and remain toxic for months in synthetic carpet fibers. Pesticides used for mosquitoes are most easily degraded in direct sunlight and are sheltered when inside where they do not degrade quickly.

8. Hose off (or wipe down) window screens, door handles and hand railings after spraying occurs to avoid direct contact.

Please contact us to help stop the fogging of toxic pesticides.  Email here

Organizations and Cities Opposing Chemical Spraying

ORGANIZATIONS AND CITIES OPPOSING

CHEMICAL SPRAYING

(From http://www.stopthespray.org/)

Local Governments opposing the Spray:

City of Pacific Grove
City of Monterey
City of Seaside
County of Santa Cruz
City of Santa Cruz
City of Albany
City of Fairfax
City of Berkeley
City of Oakland
City of San Anselmo
City of Corte Madera
City of Mill Valley
City of Emeryville
City of Sausalito
City of Richmond
City of San Rafael
City of San Francisco
County of San Francisco
City of Alameda
City of Tiburon
City of Larkspur
City of Piedmont
City of Del Rey Oaks
City of Pacifica
City of Sonoma
City of Novato
County of Marin
City of Sebastopol
City of Capitola
City of Belvedere
City of San Bruno
City of Fremont
City of Belmont
A Coalition of California Cities to Stop the Spray

Groups & Organizations opposing the Spray:

Albany for Environmental Health
Alameda County Conference of Mayors
Alameda County Board of Education
Alameda County Superintendent of Schools
American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Local 2428
Asian Immigrant Women Advocates
Berkeley Unified School District
Bolinas Public Utilities District
Breast Cancer Action
Breast Cancer Fund
Butte Environmental Council
California Alliance to Stop the Spray (CASS)
California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF)
California Church IMPACT
California Indian Environmental Alliance
California Naturopathic Doctors Association
CA NOW
California Nurses Association
CALPIRG
Carmel Valley Women's Network
Center for Environmental Health
Center for Food Safety
Center for Third World Organizing
Clean Water Action - California
Citizens for Health
Citizens for East Shore Parks
Citizens for the Albany Shoreline
Coalition for Clean Air
Coalition for Sustainable Action
Commonweal
Democratic Central Committee of Marin
Democratic Central Committee of Sonoma County
DE-Toxics Institute
Eastbay Municipal Utilities District
Eastbay Regional Parks District
Ecological Options Network
El Cerrito Democratic Club
Environment California
Environmental Law Foundation
Fort Ord Environmental Justice Network (FOEJN)
Global Commons Foundation
Grassroots Leadership Network
Greenaction for Health and Environmental Justice
Green Party of Alameda County
Greenpeace
Green Schools Initiative
Healthy San Leandro
Helping Our Peninsula's Environment (HOPE)
Health and Environmental Resource Center (HERC)
Kentfield School District, Marin
Learning Disabilities Association of California
Marin Association of Realtors
Marin Cancer Project/ Search for the Cause
Marin Conservation League
Marin Farm Bureau
Marin Integrated Pest Management Commission
Marin Organics
Monterey Bay Central Labor Council
Natural Products Association West
Natural Solutions Foundation
North Coast Rivers Alliance
North Coast County Water District
Oakland Zoo
Organic Consumers Association
Pacific Grove Neighbors
Parents for a Safer Environment
People for Parks
Pesticide Action Network of North America (PANNA)
Pesticide Free Zone Campaign
Pesticide Watch Education Fund
Play Not Spray
Physicians for Social Responsibility-Los Angeles
Planning and Conservation League
Rainforest Action Network
Responsible Consumers of Our Monterey Peninsula
San Francisco Board of Education
Santa Cruz Federation of Teachers AFT Local 2030
Santa Cruz Women's League for Peace and Justice
Save Our Peninsula Committee
Save Our Waterfront Committee
Say No To Fort Ord's Toxic Burning
Sierra Club
Sequoia Audubon Society
StopTheSpray.ORG
Sustainable Albany
Sustainable Fairfax
Tamalpais Environmental Consultants
Teens for Safe Cosmetics
Thimakka
Vote Health

8/26/14 San Jose Fogging #17

    Fogging # 17 in Santa Clara County this year.

Vector Control will spray toxic pesticides from the back of trucks into the air, from 11pm to 3am on Tuesday, Aug 26  in San Jose.   See the map below.  See our advice for how to protect yourself,your families, and pets below.  Your comments to County Supervisors are making a difference!  Please continue to contact  ALL Supervisors:   click here to help.

Please attend the HLUET (Housing, Land Use, Environment, Transportation) committee meeting and show your support for stopping the fogging.  Just attend, hold a sign I will bring for all (find us in the back of the room on the Right).  If not you, then who?  This is our chance to prove Vector wrong!  
Thursday, August 21 at 10am. 70 West Hedding San Jose. First Floor, Board Meeting room.  

Sign the NEW petition: Click here (Anyone can sign- it’s not a ballot issue, just shows support)

Like, Share, Comment on Facebook:  Click here

Santa Clara County Vector Control claims that they are fogging to stop West Nile Virus, BUT the research shows otherwise:

1.  There are only 3 human cases of West Nile Virus (WNV) in Santa Clara County (as of 8/19/14) & NO deaths,  so there is NO emergency. (Latest West Nile Activity in California, 2014)

     The use of pesticide fogging was supposed to be a "last resort" in a human epidemic of WNV, to knock down lots of infected adult mosquitoes.  Currently, there is only 1 infected mosquito in every 100, but it only takes finding 1 infected mosquito for Vector to fog again.  

2. It is not effective against the spread of West Nile Virus.(Reddy, 2006)  It only kills a few adult mosquitoes that happen to fly into the fog.  The others hiding in bushes will survive and lay more eggs.  All the larvae in the standing water around the yard will hatch the next day and the cycle starts over again. Also, the continued use of pyrethroids (the synthetic nerve toxin in the fogging pesticide) creates pesticide-resistance in the surviving mosquitoes (Marcombe, 2011).  So, frequent foggings only create the need for an even more toxic, stronger pesticide if a mosquito-born disease emergency ever did strike our county.

3. Vector control gets over $6.8 million from OUR parcel taxes every year.  They should be spending those funds on educating people to clear standing water every week.  Or advertising the free mosquito fish for contained ponds and unused pools.  Or taking the time to work with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to find other ways to control mosquitoes without harming the environment and adding another toxin to our bodies. Maybe they can give away CO2 mosquito traps like the ones they use to collect samples? Maybe they can give away mosquito nets & insect repellent for anyone who wants to avoid getting bitten while sleeping? 

4. The pesticide used is Zenivex E4.  The active ingredient is Etofenprox, a synthetic nerve toxin.  While most mammals might detoxify Etofenprox in isolation, we live in a pool of chemicals and many people do not have perfectly functioning livers.  Research shows that this toxin DOES accumulate in the body, and also passes from mother to child via placenta and milk.

5.   The County Dept of Environmental Health told us that they rely on the manufacturer's testing and the EPA for safety.  It is not safe nor responsible to rely on one biased source of information when it concerns Public Health.  The MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) shows toxicity levels from only rat and rabbit experiments.   It also states that this chemical is a known toxin for bees and aquatic life. The County assumes that it is safe for humans because they falsely believe that mammals will detoxify the pyrethroid.

6.  It is toxic to bees and other beneficial insects.  The toxin has a half-life (the time it takes for half of it to degrade) of 4.5 days on the ground.  It takes 3 half-lives to clear it.  So, the toxin is around for 2 weeks after each fogging.  This is enough that bees get a sub-lethal dose,  and cannot fly back to the hive.  Fogging also kills beneficial insects which stops the natural predators of mosquitoes and disables the interdependent lives in our ecosystem.

7. Special populations are not able to detoxify the toxin, and then it will accumulate in the body.  Babies livers are not developed yet.  Pregnant and nursing moms can pass the toxin to babies via placenta and milk. (Alonso, 2012)   Elderly, immune-compromised, and anyone with liver disfunction may not  detoxify the toxin. They should at least be warned by the County to take precautions to protect their families.  Currently, Vector states that "Generally, residents do not need to take any special precautions before or after the fogging".   We believe this is blatent disregard for the health of special populations, perhaps everyone.

Our recommendations below for protecting yourself and your family are taken from the WONDERFUL article by folks at ToxicsAction.  See the article HERE.

(Our comments are in the parentheses)

1. Keep windows closed during and immediately after spraying. If possible, also turn off air conditioners (that circulate outdoor air back inside).

2. Stay inside and keep children and pets inside during spraying and until the next morning after spraying.

3. Bring in or cover portable outdoor furniture, toys, laundry, pet dishes and tools.

4. Cover larger outdoor items such as barbecue grills or sand boxes. Swing sets and items that cannot be covered should be rinsed (or wiped down)  thoroughly after the spraying.

5. Cover fish ponds because pesticides are highly toxic to fish (and other aquatic life).

6. Cover vegetable (and fruit) gardens if you can with plastic sheeting; wash any exposed vegetables before storing, cooking or eating.

7. Remove shoes when entering the home after spraying because pesticides can be tracked indoors and remain toxic for months in synthetic carpet fibers. Pesticides used for mosquitoes are most easily degraded in direct sunlight and are sheltered when inside where they do not degrade quickly.

8. Hose off (or wipe down) window screens, door handles and hand railings after spraying occurs to avoid direct contact.

Please contact us to help stop the fogging of toxic pesticides.  Email here

8/19/14 Sunnyvale, Mountain View, Fogging #16

    Fogging # 16 in Santa Clara County this year.

Vector Control will spray toxic pesticides from the back of trucks into the air, from 11pm to 3am on Tuesday, Aug 19 in Sunnyvale & Mountain View.   See the map below.  See our advice for how to protect yourself,your families, and pets below.  Your comments to County Supervisors are making a difference!  Please continue to contact  ALL Supervisors:   click here to help.   

Thursday, August 21 at 10am. 70 West Hedding San Jose. In the Board's meeting room. 

It would be really helpful if you can attend the HLUET (Housing, Land Use, Environment, Transportation) committee meeting and show your support for stopping the fogging.  Just attend, hold a sign I will bring for all (email if you are going).  If not you, then who?  This is our chance to prove Vector wrong! 

Sign the NEW petition: Click here (Anyone can sign- it’s not a ballot issue, just shows support)

Like, Share, Comment on Facebook:  Click here

Santa Clara County Vector Control claims that they are fogging to stop West Nile Virus, BUT the research shows otherwise:

1.  There are NO human cases of West Nile Virus (WNV) in Santa Clara County in 2014,  so there is NO emergency. (Latest West Nile Activity in California, 2014)

     The use of pesticide fogging was supposed to be a "last resort" in a human epidemic of WNV, to knock down lots of infected adult mosquitoes.  Currently, there is only 1 infected mosquito in every 100, but it only takes finding 1 infected mosquito for Vector to decide to fog again.  

2. It is not effective against the spread of West Nile Virus.(Reddy, 2006)  It only kills a few adult mosquitoes that happen to fly into the fog.  The others hiding in bushes will survive and lay more eggs.  All the larvae in the standing water around the yard will hatch the next day and the cycle starts over again. Also, the continued use of pyrethroids (the synthetic nerve toxin in the fogging pesticide) creates pesticide-resistance in the surviving mosquitoes (Marcombe, 2011).  So, frequent foggings only create the need for an even more toxic, stronger pesticide if a mosquito-born disease emergency ever did strike our county.

3. Vector control gets over $6.8 million from OUR parcel taxes every year.  They should be spending those funds on educating people to clear standing water every week.  Or advertising the free mosquito fish for contained ponds and unused pools.  Or taking the time to work with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to find other ways to control mosquitoes without harming the environment and adding another toxin to our bodies.

4. The pesticide used is Zenivex E4.  The active ingredient is Etofenprox, a synthetic nerve toxin.  While most mammals might detoxify Etofenprox in isolation, we live in a pool of chemicals and many people do not have perfectly functioning livers.  Research shows that this toxin DOES accumulate in the body, and also passes from mother to child via placenta and milk.

5.   The County Dept of Environmental Health told us that they rely on the manufacturer's testing and the EPA for safety.  It is not safe nor responsible to rely on one biased source of information when it concerns Public Health.  The MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) shows toxicity levels from only rat and rabbit experiments.   It also states that this chemical is a known toxin for bees and aquatic life. The County assumes that it is safe for humans because they falsely believe that mammals will detoxify the pyrethroid.

6.  It is toxic to bees and other beneficial insects.  The toxin has a half-life (the time it takes for half of it to degrade) of 4.5 days on the ground.  It takes 3 half-lives to clear it.  So, the toxin is around for 2 weeks after each fogging.  This is enough that bees get a sub-lethal dose,  and cannot fly back to the hive.  Fogging also kills beneficial insects which stops the natural predators of mosquitoes and disables the interdependent lives in our ecosystem.

7. Special populations are not able to detoxify the toxin, and then it will accumulate in the body.  Babies livers are not developed yet.  Pregnant and nursing moms can pass the toxin to babies via placenta and milk. (Alonso, 2012)   Elderly, immune-compromised, and anyone with liver disfunction may not  detoxify the toxin. They should at least be warned by the County to take precautions to protect their families.  Currently, Vector states that "Generally, residents do not need to take any special precautions before or after the fogging".   We believe this is blatent disregard for the health of special populations, perhaps everyone.

Click here for map to zoom in

Our recommendations below for protecting yourself and your family are taken from the WONDERFUL article by folks at ToxicsAction.  See the article HERE.

(Our comments are in the parentheses)

1. Keep windows closed during and immediately after spraying. If possible, also turn off air conditioners (that circulate outdoor air back inside).

2. Stay inside and keep children and pets inside during spraying and until the next morning after spraying.

3. Bring in or cover portable outdoor furniture, toys, laundry, pet dishes and tools.

4. Cover larger outdoor items such as barbecue grills or sand boxes. Swing sets and items that cannot be covered should be rinsed (or wiped down)  thoroughly after the spraying.

5. Cover fish ponds because pesticides are highly toxic to fish (and other aquatic life).

6. Cover vegetable (and fruit) gardens if you can with plastic sheeting; wash any exposed vegetables before storing, cooking or eating.

7. Remove shoes when entering the home after spraying because pesticides can be tracked indoors and remain toxic for months in synthetic carpet fibers. Pesticides used for mosquitoes are most easily degraded in direct sunlight and are sheltered when inside where they do not degrade quickly.

8. Hose off (or wipe down) window screens, door handles and hand railings after spraying occurs to avoid direct contact.

Please contact us to help stop the fogging of toxic pesticides.  Email here

8/14/14 San Jose Fogging #15

    This is Fogging # 15 in Santa Clara County this year.

Vector Control will spray toxic pesticides from the back of trucks into the air, from 11pm to 4am on Thursday, Aug 14 in San Jose.   See the map below.  See our advice for how to protect yourself,your families, and pets below.  Your comments to County Supervisors are making a difference!  Please continue to contact  ALL Supervisors:   click here to help.

Sign the NEW petition: Click here (Anyone can sign- it’s not a ballot issue, just shows support)

Like, Share, Comment on Facebook:  Click here

Santa Clara County Vector Control claims that they are fogging to stop West Nile Virus, BUT the research shows otherwise:

1.  There are NO human cases of West Nile Virus (WNV) in Santa Clara County in 2014,  so there is NO emergency. (Latest West Nile Activity in California, 2014)

     The use of pesticide fogging was supposed to be a "last resort" in a human epidemic of WNV, to knock down lots of infected adult mosquitoes.  Currently, there is only 1 infected mosquito in every 100, but it only takes finding 1 infected mosquito for Vector to decide to fog again.  

2. It is not effective against the spread of West Nile Virus.(Reddy, 2006)  It only kills a few adult mosquitoes that happen to fly into the fog.  The others hiding in bushes will survive and lay more eggs.  All the larvae in the standing water around the yard will hatch the next day and the cycle starts over again. Also, the continued use of pyrethroids (the synthetic nerve toxin in the fogging pesticide) creates pesticide-resistance in the surviving mosquitoes (Marcombe, 2011).  So, frequent foggings only create the need for an even more toxic, stronger pesticide if a mosquito-born disease emergency ever did strike our county.

3. Vector control gets over $6.8 million from OUR parcel taxes every year.  They should be spending those funds on educating people to clear standing water every week.  Or advertising the free mosquito fish for contained ponds and unused pools.  Or taking the time to work with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to find other ways to control mosquitoes without harming the environment and adding another toxin to our bodies.

4. The pesticide used is Zenivex E4.  The active ingredient is Etofenprox, a synthetic nerve toxin.  While most mammals might detoxify Etofenprox in isolation, we live in a pool of chemicals and many people do not have perfectly functioning livers.  Research shows that this toxin DOES accumulate in the body, and also passes from mother to child via placenta and milk.

5.   The County Dept of Environmental Health told us that they rely on the manufacturer's testing and the EPA for safety.  It is not safe nor responsible to rely on one biased source of information when it concerns Public Health.  The MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) shows toxicity levels from only rat and rabbit experiments.   It also states that this chemical is a known toxin for bees and aquatic life. The County assumes that it is safe for humans because they falsely believe that mammals will detoxify the pyrethroid.

6.  It is toxic to bees and other beneficial insects.  The toxin has a half-life (the time it takes for half of it to degrade) of 4.5 days on the ground.  It takes 3 half-lives to clear it.  So, the toxin is around for 2 weeks after each fogging.  This is enough that bees get a sub-lethal dose,  and cannot fly back to the hive.  Fogging also kills beneficial insects which stops the natural predators of mosquitoes and disables the interdependent lives in our ecosystem.

7. Special populations are not able to detoxify the toxin, and then it will accumulate in the body.  Babies livers are not developed yet.  Pregnant and nursing moms can pass the toxin to babies via placenta and milk. (Alonso, 2012)   Elderly, immune-compromised, and anyone with liver disfunction may not  detoxify the toxin. They should at least be warned by the County to take precautions to protect their families.  Currently, Vector states that "Generally, residents do not need to take any special precautions before or after the fogging".   We believe this is blatent disregard for the health of special populations, perhaps everyone.

Click here for map to zoom in

Our recommendations below for protecting yourself and your family are taken from the WONDERFUL article by folks at ToxicsAction.  See the article HERE.

(Our comments are in the parentheses)

1. Keep windows closed during and immediately after spraying. If possible, also turn off air conditioners (that circulate outdoor air back inside).

2. Stay inside and keep children and pets inside during spraying and until the next morning after spraying.

3. Bring in or cover portable outdoor furniture, toys, laundry, pet dishes and tools.

4. Cover larger outdoor items such as barbecue grills or sand boxes. Swing sets and items that cannot be covered should be rinsed (or wiped down)  thoroughly after the spraying.

5. Cover fish ponds because pesticides are highly toxic to fish (and other aquatic life).

6. Cover vegetable (and fruit) gardens if you can with plastic sheeting; wash any exposed vegetables before storing, cooking or eating.

7. Remove shoes when entering the home after spraying because pesticides can be tracked indoors and remain toxic for months in synthetic carpet fibers. Pesticides used for mosquitoes are most easily degraded in direct sunlight and are sheltered when inside where they do not degrade quickly.

8. Hose off (or wipe down) window screens, door handles and hand railings after spraying occurs to avoid direct contact.

Please contact us to help stop the fogging of toxic pesticides.  Email here