I read the article about mosquito control this summer in Albert lea. I thought it was very one-sided and didn’t highlight any of the negative side effects of fogging with the synthetic pesticide perithrim or give the public the option to no spray in their area. Permethrin is a synthetic endocrine disruptor and is highly toxic to bees, fish and other aquatic organisms and kills insects that eat mosquitos, as well as killing mosquitoes and gnats. It should not be used in combination with DEET as that allows the pemithrin to be readily absorbed and in 2006 the EPA classified permethrin as “likely to be carcinogenic in humans” at http://endocrinedisruption.org/…/permethrin/citizens-guide.

In addition fogging is the least effective method of mosquito control. See http://midwestpesticideaction.org/forgo-the-fog-alternatives-to-mosquito-fogging/.

If residents want to get on a no spray list they can call 952-715-2159.

John Caucutt

Albert Lea