Is sulfuryl fluoride harmful to humans?

* Sulfuryl Fluoride can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and loss of appetite. * Repeated high exposure can cause weakness, muscle twitching, seizures and convulsions. * Sulfuryl Fluoride may damage the liver and kidneys.

Is termite fumigation harmful to humans?

1) Effects on Humans Fumigants such as sulfuryl fluoride are highly toxic to humans. This means that you cannot be in the house when the termite treatment is performed. In fact, you should also not remain on the property without the proper PPE.

How long after fumigation is it safe for humans?

The answer is 24-72 hours. You’d need to stay out of your home for 24 to 72 hours after fumigation.

Is Vikane gas harmful to humans?

Overexposure to high levels of sulfuryl fluoride can result in nose and throat irritation and nausea. At high concentrations (such as those used during the fumigation) it can cause excess fluid in the lungs, sleepiness, pneumonia, and convulsions.

How safe is sulfuryl fluoride?

Although sulfuryl fluoride is highly toxic and can cause severe injury if recommended safety measures are not followed, severe poisoning and death caused by sulfuryl fluoride are uncommon (3); since 2010, only one other such case has been reported in Florida.

What does sulfuryl fluoride smell like?

Sulfuryl fluoride is a colorless, odorless gas.

Is it safe to live in a house with termites?

Termites are not known to carry diseases harmful to humans, either. However, people who are living in homes infested by termites may suffer from allergic reactions or even asthma attacks. Heating or ventilation systems can especially contribute to the spread of irritating particles and dust from termite nests.

What happens if you breathe in fumigation?

Moderate inhalation exposure can cause weakness, vomiting, chest pain, diarrhea, difficulty breathing and pain just above the stomach. Symptoms of severe inhalation exposure may occur within a few hours to several days after exposure. Severe poisoning may result in fluid in the lungs.

How do I clean my house after fumigation?

Make a 50-50 solution of water and vinegar. With the solution repeat the wiping process not forgetting about the cabinets, doorknobs, drawers, and cupboards. After wiping down the surfaces discard the cloth immediately. Proceed to mop the floors using warm soapy water to get rid of the remaining fumigants.

What happens if you eat food exposed to Vikane gas?

Will that cause me harm? No adverse health effects would be expected from consumption of some food items inadvertently fumigated with Vikane. The residue that can form in unprotected food items exposed to Vikane is fluoride, which naturally occurs in food and water.

How long does it take Vikane to dissipate?

Please don’t fumigate with sulfuryl fluoride (Vikane) as it is not safe. They say it will dissipate in two to three days, but where does it go? Part of it goes into the atmosphere, where it is a major greenhouse gas.

Do I need to wash my sheets after fumigation?

It is not necessary to wash dishes, linens, clothing, etc., as the fumigant is a gas that will dissipate from the structure and its contents.

What are the symptoms of sulfuryl fluoride poisoning?

Sulfuryl fluoride poisoning usually occurs after inhalational exposure. The predominant manifestations of sulfuryl fluoride poisoning are respiratory irritation and neurologic symptoms.

How does sulfuryl fluoride affect humans and animals?

These tests help scientists judge how these chemicals might affect humans, domestic animals, and wildlife in cases of overexposure. Sulfuryl fluoride is a gas used to fumigate closed structures and their contents for drywood and Formosan termites, wood infesting beetles, bedbugs, carpet beetles, clothes moths, cockroaches, and rodents.

How is sulfuryl fluoride detectable in the air?

The toxin continuously leaks out in the open and has to be topped off in order to maintain a high level of it inside the tented structure. “Sulfuryl Fluoride is detectable in ambient air surrounding structures during all fumigation stages, at distances 5 to 50 feet away”. (CDPR) It is 3.52 times heavier than air.

What foods can be exposed to sulfuryl fluoride?

(CDPR) Although, it is proven that the “food exposed to Sulfuryl Fluoride have been shown to retain Fluoride residue”, and “foods with high fat content, such as corn oil- have demonstrated significant sorption of Sulfuryl Fluoride.” (CDPR) 6) Offgassing- “Offgassing from the treated commodities may occur”.