The warning comes from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, or MDARD.
And officials say residents should avoid purchasing unregistered pesticides containing dichlorvos or DDVP and it includes the brand names “Sniper” and “Nopest.”
A news release from MDARD says despite their potentially harmful health effects, “Sniper” and “Nopest” remain available for purchase via online marketplaces, where they are marketed as insecticides for home use. These and other pesticides that contain highly concentrated DDVP are responsible they say for recent poisonings in Michigan.
Consumers should be aware that not all pesticides purchased online are registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or are safe to use at home.
MDARD Director Tim Boring says quote, “These recent cases are a serious reminder that unregistered or illegal pesticide products can pose significant risks to public health,” end quote.
Officials say If you become sick after being exposed to pesticides, contact Poison Control or call 911 if you become severely ill.
