Countries in the West have many protocols set in place to protect the public from the dangers associated with pesticide application.  When applied correctly, pesticides are safe for in interior and exterior of homes and businesses.

It appears that there are now two more Westerners that have traveled overseas that have become victims of bed bug pesticide poisoning.  The National Post in Canada reported on September 19, 2012 that Canadian backpacker Cathy Huynh and her friend Kari Bowerman from Illinois checked into a guesthouse in the coastal city of Nha Trang.  Within hours after their arrival, the women checked into a local hospital with difficulties breathing.  Reports are that within three hours of her arrival at the hospital, Kari Bowerman died of respiratory failure.  Cathy Huynh appeared to have survived the ordeal when she was discharged from the hospital two days later.  Returning to the same guesthouse, she became ill once again and was admitted back into the hospital the next day.  Sadly, she too died the following day.

Toxicology reports are not specific but it is suspected that the women were poisoned by chlorpyrifos which is a potent bed bug pesticide used throughout Asia.  This pesticide has been banned for use in the Western world as it is deemed to be too dangerous.  It should be noted that other tourists have also fallen victim to the same pesticide in other tourist areas in Asia.  An autopsy is being performed, but chlorpyrifos is hard to detect as it quickly leaves the human body.

Some people believe that the Environmental Protection Agency is too stringent with their guidelines when it comes to releasing pesticides that will kill bed bug infestations.  When used properly by a licensed pest control professional however, people do not become ill or die from the currently approved pesticides.  For reputable NYC bed bug specialists like Stern Environmental Group, the safety of our customers is our first priority.  Our trained technicians know how to properly administer pesticides to keep our customers safe at all times.  For expert bed bug eradication services in NYC, NY and NJ, contact Stern Environmental Group.