Generally, there is no need to relocate during mosquito control spraying. The pesticides have been evaluated for this use and found to pose minimal risks to human health and the environment when used according to the label directions. Although the pesticide poses low risks, some people may prefer to avoid or further minimize exposure.

Washing, peeling, and trimming fruits and vegetables often will help reduce or remove any pesticide residues. For more information, read the fact sheet "Healthy, Sensible Food Practices." Ask your neighbor which pesticide they applied and ask to read the label on the container. The label contains a great deal of information. If you still have questions or are concerned, you can call the National Pesticide Information Center (1-800-858-7378) or your State Lead Agency.

Use only the pesticides approved for use by the general public and then only in recommended amounts. Increasing the amount does not offer more protection against pests and can be harmful to you, your pets and your plants. Read the Label and follow directions. Ventilate the area well after pesticide use. Mix or dilute pesticides outdoors or in a well-ventilated area and only in the amounts that will be needed immediately. If possible, take plants and pets outside when applying pesticides to them.

Molds are organisms that grow in damp, dark environments. There are many types of molds, the most common household molds are alternaria and cladosporium. Molds release microscopic spores into the air which are then inhaled and can cause allergy symptoms. Molds are usually found in damp areas such as bathrooms, basements, laundry rooms, under sinks or under the refrigerator.

Dander is pet skin flakes. Proteins found in the dander and saliva of cats and dogs cause allergies. This microscopic protein is released from your pets and floats in the air you breathe. You don't have to have direct contact with a cat or dog to be exposed to this allergen. If you are allergic to pet allergens it is usually best to have your pet placed in a new home. Be aware that pet dander can remain in your home for several month after your pet has been relocated.

Pollen are the spores that plants release to propagate themselves. Pollen is responsible for triggering seasonal allergic reactions. Different regions of the country vary in the type and time of pollen release, but generally, tree pollens are usually high from early spring to midsummer, grass pollens are usually high from late spring to midsummer and weed pollens are usually high from late summer through the fall.

When applying pesticides follow the directions on the label. This may include wearing long sleeve shirt and pants, rubber boots, gloves, and eye wear. If you are aware of a pesticide application around the home or in a public place, avoid exposure. If you live in a rural area adjacent to agricultural or forest lands where pesticides are applied, contact the land owner and ask to be informed of pesticide applications.

Depending on whether or not WNV is found in birds and mosquitoes in your area, pesticide spraying may be done. Your local board of health or mosquito control project is the best source for information about pesticide spraying. Please call (508) 799-8481 for more information.

Contact the Pesticide Division of the Los Angeles County Agricultural Commissioner/Weights & Measures Department at (626) 575-5466. Nurseries can spray in accordance with the Food and Agricultural Code (FAC) and the California Code of Regulations (CCR).

Avoid using pesticides in your home or yard, or on your pet -- use baits or traps instead, keepin your home especially clean to prevent ant or roach infestations. Find out if pesticides are used in your child's school or day care center and campaign for non-toxic alternatives. Avoid heating food in plastic containers, or storing fatty foods in plastic containers or plastic wrap. Do not give young children soft plastic teethers or toys, since these leach potential endocrine disrupting chemicals.

The amount of pesticide applied and the area of application are important in determining exposure. Pesticides that are applied infrequently or in small quantities to a limited area in a remote location are less likely to result in significant human exposure, and visa versa. In populated areas, notification of pesticide application should reduce the chance of inadvertent exposure by the general public.

Common pets like dogs and cats have similar susceptibility to pesticides as humans. However, they do not wear protective clothing. Pet habits, such a grooming, can also increase the risk of exposure. Pets such as birds, fish or amphibians, may be much more sensitive to certain pesticides. The risk from exposure to the same dose is greater for smaller animals.

A pesticide is any substance or mixture of substances intended to prevent, destroy, repel, or mitigate any pest. Pests can be insects, mice and other animals, unwanted plants (weeds), fungi, or micro-organisms like bacteria and viruses. Though often thought to refer only to insecticides, the term pesticide also applies to herbicides, fungicides, and other substances used to control pests.

While there are not currently any known replacements for mercury, new fluorescent light bulbs are now being manufactured so that they contain up to 80% less mercury than standard fluorescent bulbs (Click here for more information from Philips.com). The mercury in fluorescent bulbs cannot be totally eliminated, but can be greatly reduced. Consumers are still urged to recycle all fluorescent light bulbs regardless of the amount of mercury they possess.

Insurers often discount their rates in order to encourage good driving practices and the use of safety and security precautions. Depending on the insurance company, you can often lower your rates from 5 to 35 percent. Sometimes the investment you make in your vehicle is worth the discount, and sometimes it's simply worth some peace of mind.

If your drinking water is contaminated with lead—or until you find out for sure—there are several things you can do to minimize your exposure. Two of these actions should be taken right away by everyone who has, or suspects, a problem. The advisability of other actions listed here will depend upon your particular circumstances.

The best way to reduce risk is always using a latex condom correctly for all sexual intercourse. Quitting is the best prevention if you are using injectable drugs. But if that isn't an option, then people should always use a sterile needle to inject drugs and never use somebody else's equipment. Don't share toothbrushes, razors or other household objects that could get blood on them. Use bleach to clean up spilled blood. Don't share drug paraphernalia.

Pesticide exposure may or may not cause a problem. Irritation or even burns can occur when a caustic or an acidic pesticide is spilled on the skin or splashed in the eyes. Effects on internal organs can occur if a sufficient amount of pesticide is absorbed from the lungs, mouth or across the skin, and it may be possible to have long-term effects from repeated small exposures which by themselves do not cause obvious harm. There are also situations where pesticide exposure does not cause problems.

You can wash vegetables in running water for several times, then soak vegetables in water for one hour. Alternatively, you may blanch vegetables in boiling water for one minute and discard the water used for blanching. If you combine the above two measures, you can reduce the pesticide residues further. For individuals who wish to further reduce their intake of pesticide residues, they may remove the outer leaves and peel the vegetables.

Exposure to pyrethrins and pyrethroids can be reduced by exercising care when using pesticides containing these compounds around the house, on pets, and on children and by storing them properly. Certain pyrethroids are sprayed to control mosquitos during the spring and summer; remaining indoors and closing your windows while your neighborhood is being sprayed will lessen your exposure.

The best way to reduce risk is to always use a latex condom correctly for all sexual intercourse. If you are using injectable drugs, always use a sterile needle and never use somebody else's equipment.

Eliminate mosquito breeding and harborage areas. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing or slow moving water. Weeds, tall grass, and bushes provide an outdoor home for mosquitoes. Mosquitoes can also enter homes through unscreened windows/doors or through screens that are broken or torn. Follow the links to the right for more information.

In most situations, there is no need to reduce one's exposure to manganese because it is an essential nutrient for good health. Excess levels of manganese may be present in soils, especially at or near hazardous waste sites. Therefore, it is important to discourage hand-to-mouth activity in young children, especially near hazardous waste sites or in areas that may have increased manganese levels in the soil. Manganese is also present in pesticides that may be used around the home.

Carefully handle and dispose of products that contain mercury, such as thermometers or fluorescent light bulbs. Do not vacuum up spilled mercury, because it will vaporize and increase exposure. If a large amount of mercury has been spilled, contact your health department. Teach children not to play with shiny, silver liquids. Properly dispose of older medicines that contain mercury. Keep all mercury-containing medicines away from children.

When trying to reduce exposure to dust mites, one should concentrate on the bedroom and more specifically the bed. The most affordable, effective and clinically proven environmental control recommendation is to encase pillows, mattresses and box springs in anti-allergen encasings. All bedding should be washed weekly in water above 130º F degrees. Remove dust magnets such as collectibles, books, magazines, toys, stuffed animals, trees or plants from the bedroom.

The most preferable product to be used in aerial spraying is called Anvil. Anvil (or similar products) is the same product routinely used in ground spraying. Anvil contains sumithrin, which is a man-made pesticide product similar to the natural components of the chrysanthemum flower that is used to control mosquitoes in outdoor residential and recreational areas.

If you think that you are experiencing any health effects from pesticides, call your doctor or the Massachusetts Poison Control Center 800-222-1222 or go to your local Emergency Room. Toxicology staff at the MDPH can also be consulted by calling the WNV information line at 1‑866‑MASS-WNV (press 5 to be connected to the Center for Environmental Health), or by calling (617) 624‑5757. For general information about mosquito control: visit the following webpage www.mass.

Experts suggest that mobile phone users can take a number of precautions to reduce any possible health risks. Almost all agree that the best step is to keep mobile phone conversations short and to a minimum. Many believe that so-called hands free kits reduce the risks by cutting the amount of electromagnetic radiation entering the brain. They also recommend that users buy phones with external aerials so that it is as far away from the head as possible when in use.