Insecticide Used To Fight Zika Could Pose Risk For Humans, Wildlife

By Health News Florida Staff

Published August 14, 2016 at 5:15 PM EDT

Some pesticide being used to kill mosquitoes and fight the spread ofZikain Miami-Dade County is also harmful to honey bees, birds, some fish and people, according to the Miami Herald.

The insecticide naled has been approved for use in the United States since 1959 but is banned by the European Union, the newspaper reports.

Miami-Dade mosquito control officials and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency indicate the risks are minimal and the pesticide is sprayed in small concentrations, with little of it actually reaching the ground, according to the newspaper.

However, studies show long-term exposure to the chemical create health risks for humans and wildlife, the newspaper reports.

Health News Florida Staff

Health News Florida is now part of WUSF Public Media in Tampa, Florida.

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Insecticide Used To Fight Zika Could Pose Risk For Humans, Wildlife

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