Fogger

A fogger is any device that creates a fog, typically containing an insecticide for killing insects and other arthropods. Foggers are often used by consumers as a low cost alternative to professional pest control services. The number of foggers needed for pest control depends on the size of the space to be treated, as stated for safety reasons on the instructions supplied with the devices. The fog may contain flammable gases, leading to a danger of explosion if a fogger is used in a building with a pilot light or other naked flame.^[1]

Fogger composition

Total release foggers (TRFs) (also called "bug bombs") are used to kill cockroaches, fleas, and flying insects by filling an area with insecticide. Most foggers contain

During 2001-2006, a total of 466 fogger-related illnesses or injuries were identified in the United States by the SENSOR-Pesticides program. These illnesses or injuries often resulted from inability or failure to vacate before the fogger discharged, reentry into the treated space too soon after the fogger was discharged, excessive use of foggers for the space being treated, and failure to notify others nearby.^[2]

Exposure symptoms

Pyrethrins have little systemic toxicity in mammals, but they have been reported to induce contact dermatitis, conjunctivitis, and asthma. Signs and symptoms of pyrethroid toxicity include abnormal skin sensation (e.g., burning, itching, tingling, and numbness), dizziness, salivation, headache, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea, seizure, irritability to sound and touch, and other central nervous system effects.^[2]

See also

• Ultrasonic hydroponic fogger, a device used in agriculture
• Pyrethrin Toxicity

References

• Bug Bomb Case Profile — National Pesticide Information Center
• Pesticide Illness & Injury Surveillance — National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health