Illegal Insecticide Chalk From China {Photo: Health Canada}

Both Canada and the US have recently issued warnings over the use of ‘Insecticide Chalk’ illegally imported from China, due to the extreme danger it poses to pets and children.  This illegal Insecticide Chalk may be branded as “Miraculous Chalk”, “Chinese Chalk” or “Cockroach Chalk”, and may even include a ‘safe for humans and animals’ or similar declaration.

The main active ingredient in Insecticide Chalk is Deltamethrin, one of the most toxic pesticides of its kind.  The use of toxic Insecticide Chalk around the home poses a danger, but there is also concern that due to it’s appearance pets or children may pick it up.

Overexposure to some chemicals found in samples of Insecticide Chalk can provoke serious health effects in pets and humans, including:

• Vomiting and stomach pain
  

  "Miraculous" Brand of Illegal Insecticide Chalk from China {Photo: Health Canada}

• Convulsions or tremors
• Loss of consciousness
• Serious allergic reactions

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reported that several children have been hospitalized after eating Insecticidal Chalk. To date, no incidents have been reported to Health Canada.  Action is being taken to remove this product from store shelves.

If you have Insecticidal Chalk in your home, place it in a sealed plastic bag and keep it out of reach of pets and children until you can properly dispose of it.  Wearing gloves, thoroughly clean areas treated with the product with soap and water.  Supplies and gloves used for the cleaning should also be sealed in a plastic bag. Contact a local hazardous waste facility to safely dispose of Insecticidal Chalk as soon as possible.  DO NOT THROW INSECTICIDAL CHALK INTO THE GARBAGE.

Illegal pesticides are often much more toxic than registered pesticides that have been approved for use in your home, but they may come in familiar shapes and packaging, according to the EPA. They have also identified illegal flea and tick repellents for pets, antibacterial cleansers, mothballs, and other products that claim to get rid of household pests.

Avoid the Purchase and Use of Dangerous, Illegal Pesticides

"Miraculous" Illegal Insecticide Chalk from China {Photo: EPA}

• Look for a registration number on the pesticide’s container from the EPA in the US, or Pest Control Product (PCP) number in Canada.
• Registered products must state the active ingredients on the label.
• Shop for pesticides only in stores you know and trust.
• Be aware that some registered pesticides are not intended for home use, such as farm or industrial chemicals.  The label should indicate that the product is for use indoors by the general public.
• Look for registered natural, pet-safe insecticides.

If you have questions or would like to report the sale of illegal pesticides:

Canada – Contact Health Canada’s Pest Management Information Service  at 1-800-267-6315.
US – Contact the EPA Regional Pesticide Unit that covers your location or the National Pesticide Information Center.

Sources:
Health Canada
US Environmental Protection Agency

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