Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
is designed to reduce the potential for harm to people and the environment
while controlling pests in a cost-effective manner. It consists of using avail-
able knowledge of the biology and behavior of pest species.
Integrated pest management employs a combination of tactics including
sanitation, pest monitoring, habitat modification, and judicious use of pes-
ticides when such use is deemed essential. Sanitation includes removing
food from accessible areas, cleaning, and managing wastes (e.g., keeping
refuse in tight containers). Habitat modification includes fixing leaking
pipes, promptly sealing cracks, adding physical barriers to pest entry and
movement (e.g., using screens), removing clutter, etc. Insect populations may
be reduced by using traps (e.g., glue boards) or poison baits, or spraying
judiciously (crack and crevice spraying).
When pesticides are used in an IPM program, they should be species-
specific and attempt to minimize toxic exposures to humans and nontarget
species. When pesticides are to be spray-applied, spraying should be con-
ducted during unoccupied periods under ventilation conditions that can
flush volatile components from the building before occupants return. Pesti-
cides should only be applied in target locations, with minimum treatment
of exposed surfaces. Care should be employed to minimize contamination
of other parts of the building.
Application of IPM is more difficult in residential environments because
homeowners/occupants do not, in most cases, have the requisite knowl-
edge. Nevertheless, homeowners can seek advice from public health per-
sonnel on the use of IPM methods to control infestations of pest species such
as cockroaches.
Allergens associated with cats and dogs are widely
present in North American and European buildings where pet ownership is
high and small pets are kept indoors. When an allergist diagnoses a patient
with a high sensitivity to pet allergens, the patient is advised to remove pets
from the home environment. However, in many cases pets are seen as mem-
bers of the family, and removal decisions may be traumatic.
Removal of a pet that is contributing to allergic and asthmatic reactions
in one or more members of a household should, in theory, result in reduction
of allergy and asthmatic symptoms. However, removal is unlikely to be
effective immediately since the allergen may persist in the building environ-
ment for months and even years after the pet is removed. Pet danders are
common in building environments where pets have never been present. They
are passively transported into buildings on pet owners' clothing. In theory,
rigorous cleaning of horizontal surfaces after pet removal should result in
significant reductions in allergen levels. The effectiveness of cleaning mea-
sures has not been reported in the scientific literature, though washing cats
has been shown to have limited effectiveness in reducing allergen production.
c.
Pet danders.
Mold infestations in residential and nonresidential build-
ings are common. Such infestations can, in theory, be avoided by selection
d.
Mold.
