POTENTIAL HAZARDS OF 2, 2-DICHLOROVINYL DIMETHYL PHOSPHATE (SNIPER™) USED IN INDOOR RESIDUAL SPRAYING

Abstract

Among the registered names of organophosphates in Nigeria by National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control is Sniper™ (2, 2-Dichlorovinyl Dimethyl Phosphate, DDVP), a potent organophosphate compound commonly used in killing household insects in Nigeria. The potential hazard of DDVP (Sniper™) used in indoor residual spraying was investigated to give insights into the risks in using residual insecticides meant for outdoor use as fumigants in indoor environment. The American cockroach, Periplaneta americana (Linn.), reared under ambient laboratory conditions were exposed to nine (9) treatment concentrations (0, 25, 50, 75, 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500ml/15 L water) of Sniper™ for up to 7 days. Simultaneously, a control experiment in which cockroaches were exposed to six dosage levels (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 tablets/M³) of the standard fumigant, Phostoxin® (Aluminium Phosphide) was conducted. The mortality rate, post-application time and lethal concentration of the treatments were determined and further toxicity test was carried out on male albino rats. The experimental rats were randomly assigned to four groups of five each and exposed through inhalation to DDVP residue- 0, 50, 75 and 100ml/15 L water. Early clinical signs include, loss of appetite, scratching of nostrils, sneezing, and erect fur. No death was recorded during the experiment. Gross changes occurred in the tissue and serum subjected to enzymatic and non-enzymatic tests in rats exposed to moderate (75ml/15 L water) and high (100ml/15 L water) concentrations. This study should constitute eye-opening tool to inform home owners that engaging non-experts in managing pests of their homes amounts to causing damage to the vital organs of the bodies. It should add to the world’s bank of information on potential hazard that pesticides can cause whenever misused or mal-handled by quacks.