Police crackdown on illegal pest control firms in Abu Dhabi

The police have warned Abu Dhabi residents against using the services of illegal pest control companies, after a spate of deaths and injuries.

by

Nissar Hoath

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Published: Sun 22 Sep 2013, 12:36 AM

Last updated: Fri 3 Apr 2015, 4:18 AM

According to the Abu Dhabi Police, the use of pesticides at homes without the supervision of professionals has led to several deaths and injuries in the country. More than five people had died and ten were hospitalised in Dubai due to pesticide poisoning in ten months between 2011 and 2012. Another person was killed in Fujairah in 2012.

“Following the growing number of incidents involving casualties caused by pesticides, Abu Dhabi Police has launched a campaign to raise awareness about the use of pesticides at homes and farms. People should only acquire the services of licensed pest control companies. Those found providing such services illegally will face severe legal action,” said Abu Dhabi Police Head of Forensic and Chemical Analyses Colonel Anwar Mahmoud Al Awadi.

The officer added a number of residents, mainly Asian expatriates, had been booked for pesticide use in their houses without the services of licensed companies. “These cases also involved deaths caused by inhalation of highly toxic phosphide gas.”

The campaign also included a crackdown on the sale of such chemicals. Those found selling such pest control chemicals without permission would face legal action. “During the campaign, the police department has come across such chemicals that are easily available for purchase. Most of the traders are selling these chemical products without asking for legal documents.”

Col Al Awadi said a number of people had also been booked for bringing in pest control products from their home countries that are banned here. “We have confiscated a large number of such products with warnings issued to the people illegally importing them.”

Return home only
after 24 hours Aluminium phosphide and chemicals containing magnesium were highly dangerous and their antidote was not always available to treat people who had inhaled these toxic gases.

According to Indian K. M. Rasul, a licensed pest controller, most of the illegal pesticide companies misled people about their services and uses pesticides designed for agricultural farms and massive grain storages.

“Some of these products are (odourless) but their poisoning impacts remain for days. People get to their homes after several hours of pest control services and because there is no smell, they are unaware of the deadly impact of the gases and fall sick. Pesticide is a slow death instrument that people should be aware of,” he advised. He also said people should never return to their homes before 24 hours of pest spraying to avoid sickness.

Rasul further advised people to check the legal documents of pest control providers before contracting them for any job. “If any untoward incident happens after pest control, you can go to the court and sue the companies licensed. If you acquire the services of illegal people, you cannot go to the court, because it is your mistake,” he warned.
-nissar@khaleejtimes.com


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