Eco Hvar

KILLING INSECTS, DESTROYING PARADISE

If someone filled a spray can with potentially deadly poisons and went round spraying people at random, everyone, including the police, would react to put a stop to it.

KILLING INSECTS, DESTROYING PARADISE

Yet in Croatia, every summer highly poisonous insecticides are sprayed on a massive scale in 'fogging' actions around the country, from road vehicles and aeroplanes, with scant regard to people's safety. This is done as a 'health measure' aimed at preventing diseases spread by certain mosquitoes, in accordance with the Health Ministry's Law on Protecting the Population from Infectious Diseases (Zakon o zaštiti pučantsva od zaraznih bolesti).

How dangerous are the poisons used? Answer: very. Most of the insecticides carry high risks for human health. Some can harm animals. All are harmful to aquatic life. Of course, all insecticides are dangerous for pollinators, including bees and other invaluable insects.

Check out the possible adverse effects of pesticides used for the Insect Suppression Programme:

AMPLAT, active ingredients: Cypermethrin and Tetramethrin, with Piperonyl Butoxide.

Amplat Safety Data Sheet 07/01/2020, warnings: in humans, suspected carcinogen; can cause organ damage; harmful if inhaled; harmful if swallowed; in the environment: highly poisonous to marine life, with long-lasting effects.

Cypermethrin possible adverse effects: in humans, classified as a possible carcinogen; can be fatal; can cause organ damage, skin numbness or burning, respiratory irritation, loss of bladder control, vomiting, loss of co-ordination, coma, seizures; probable reproduction/developmental toxin; in animals: very toxic to cats; in the environment: highly damaging to bees, earthworms, aquatic insects and fish; very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects; toxic to a lesser degree to birds. Note: Cypermethrin was approved for use in the EU (01/02/2022 - 31/01/2029) on condition that it is not used when plants of any kind are in flower because of its high toxicity for bees (legislation 24/11/2021).

Tetramethrin possible adverse effects: in humans, potential human carcinogen; can cause dizziness, breathing difficulties, coughing, eye irritation, gastrointestinal upset, blisters and skin rashes; in the environment, extremely toxic to bees and aquatic organisms, including fish and aquatic invertebrates.

Piperonyl Butoxide possible adverse effects: in humans, may cause birth defects, including holoprosencephaly (HPE); may delay mental development in infants; animal studies show possible damage, including tumours, in mice and rats; in the environment, very toxic to aquatic life, with long-lasting effects.

- Amplat used in the Općina Crnac, June 2023.

CIPEX 10E - active ingredient: Cypermethrin (see above)

- Cipex 10E used on Hvar around Jelsa, Stari Grad and Hvar Town (2017, 2018, 2019, 2021) Note: Cipex 10E no longer approved by the Ministry of Health in the 2022 and 2024 listings.

CYMINA ULTRA - active ingredients: Cypermethrin and Tetramethrin (see above)

Cymina Ultra Safety Data Sheet 2020: in humans, can be fatal if inhaled and swallowed; suspected carcinogen; can cause organ damage; causes serious eye damage; can cause drowsiness or dizziness; in the environment, very toxic to aquatic life, with long-lasting effects.

- Cymina Ultra used on Brač around Supetar 26/08/2024; in the Općina Slavonski Šamac for hot and cold fogging actions, July 2024

CYPERBASE - active ingredients: Cypermethrin and Tetramethrin, with Piperonyl Butoxide (see above)

- Cyperbase used around the Općina Lipovljani, June 2024; Općina Sibinj, July 2024, Općina Slavonski Šamac for hot and cold fogging actions, July 2024

CYTROL 10/4 ULV - active ingredient: Cypermethrin with Piperonyl Butoxide (see above)

Cytrol 10/4 ULV Safety Data Sheet 09/10/2019: in humans, can be fatal if inhaled and swallowed; can cause drowsiness or dizziness; in the environment, very toxic to aquatic life, with long-lasting effects.

- Cytrol 10/4 ULV used in Grad Valpova, June 2024, Ivanić Grad June, 2024, Općina Crnac, June 2023.

NEOPITROID ALFA - active ingredient: Alpha-Cypermethrin (Alphamethrin)

Alpha-Cypermethrin possible adverse effects: in humans, possible carcinogen; can cause organ damage, respiratory irritation, irreversible eye damage; in the environment, highly toxic to fish, most aquatic organisms and honeybees; extremely toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects; toxic to earthworms; serious water pollutant.

- Neopitroid Alfa used on Hvar, used around Jelsa, June 2022, 2021. Note: Neopitroid Alfa not approved on the Ministry of Health listings, 2022, 2024.

NEOPITROID PREMIUM - active ingredients d-Trans Allethrin (Esbiothrin) and Permethrin with Piperonyl Butoxide (see above).

Neopitroid Premium Safety Data Sheet 2017: in humans, can be fatal if inhaled and swallowed; harmful if inhaled or swallowed; skin irritant; skin allergen; causes severe eye problems; in the environment, extremely toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects.

d-Trans Allethrin (Esbiothrin) possible adverse effects: in humans, harmful if swallowed or inhaled; in the environment, very toxic to aquatic life, with long-lasting effects; toxic to honey-bees and earthworms; moderately toxic to birds.
Permethrin possible adverse effects: in humans, classified as a potential carcinogen; linked to Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma; can cause neurological damage, also problems in the immune and endocrine systems; in animals, poisonous to cats, also other animals; in the environment, highly toxic to bees, sea organisms, fish.

- Neopitroid Premium used around Jelsa, June 2023; by air over the green belt around Lovas, Opatovac, Mikluševci, Tompojevci, Bokšić, Čakovci, June 2021; Velika Gorica, Velika Mlaka and Gradići, June 2021; by air over Općina Bilja, the periphery of Kopački rit and Osijek June 2019; on Hvar, Općina Sućuraj 2018; by air over Općina Gunja, Vrbanja, Drenovci, June 2014.

Note: 2024, d-Trans Allethrin not approved at EU level, Neopitroid Premium not approved on the Ministry of Health listing.

NEOPITROID PREMIUM PLUS - active ingredients Permethrin (see above) and Prallethrin with Piperonyl Butoxide (see above)

Neopitroid Premium Plus Safety Data Sheet 07/03/2022: in humans, can be fatal if swallowed, inhaled; harmful if swallowed; poisonous if inhaled; can cause allergic reactions in skin; causes severe eye injury or irritation; in the environment, very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects.

Prallethrin possible adverse effects: in humans, highly damaging to human health, can be fatal; damaging to the environment.

- Neopitroid Premium Plus used on Hvar around Jelsa, August 2023; Sveta Nedjelja, June 2024; by air over Općina Šodolovci, June 2023; Općina Crnac June 2023.

PERMEX 22E - active ingredients Pemethrin and Tetramethrin ((see above)

Permex 22E Safety Data Sheet 2017: in humans, harmful by inhalation and if swallowed; irritating to respiratory system and skin; risk of serious damage to eyes; may cause sensitisation by skin contact; vapours may cause drowsiness and dizziness; in the environment, very toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment.

- Permex 22E used on Hvar around Jelsa, Stari Grad and Hvar Town, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020

Our rights are being denied

The Insect Suppression Programme in its current form contravenes several of our human rights:

1. The right to know. "EU citizens should have access to information about chemicals to which they may be exposed, in order to allow them to make informed decisions about their use of chemicals." (Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 Introduction. clause 117)

2. The Precautionary Principle. "The precautionary principle is an approach to risk management, where, if it is possible that a given policy or action might cause harm to the public or the environment and if there is still no scientific agreement on the issue, the policy or action in question should not be carried out."

3. The right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, according to the Resolution of the United Nations Human Rights Council, 2021.

Reactions to an unacceptably risky 'health programme'?

Spraying dangerous poisons around the country and over the population is a strange way to promote public health, is it not? In the main, people, especially visitors, are unaware of the summertime spraying with its health risks and collateral damage. Official warnings are totally inadequate, the possible adverse effects of the poisons are not publicized. Some people are under the illusion that the fogging actions are a necessary measure for controlling mosquitoes alone and carry no risks for humans and the environment. The Insect Suppression Programme is inappropriate, ineffective and harmful. Increasingly, people are becoming aware of this, especially those who can see the reduction of biodiversity in their environment, beekeepers who have lost their bees, and asthmatics who have been dowsed directly with poison. But what can one do to stop it?

Who is responsible?

Ultimate responsibility for the Programme lies with the Ministry of Health. Responsibility for its implementation is delegated to the Croatian Public Health Institute, and passed on in turn to the Regional Public Health Institutes, local authorities and finally to registered commercial companies. So far, over many years, the responsible authorities have refused to respond to warnings that the Insect Suppression Programme in its present form needs to be stopped.

Conclusion: There is no doubt that the current practices of insect suppression with poisons should be halted as a matter of urgency! We call on all the responsible parties to review the Programme and to create acceptable measures for protecting public health.

Vivian Grisogono MA(Oxon)

President, Eco Hvar, September 2024

For more detailed information, see our website: www.eco-hvar.com:

Especially the following articles:

Poisoning Paradise - A Wake-Up Call

About the Insect Suppression Programme

Insecticide, raticide, pesticide: unwinnable wars

Pesticides and their adverse effects

 

back to top
You are here: Home poisons be aware KILLING INSECTS, DESTROYING PARADISE

Eco Environment News feeds

  • High levels of toxic ‘forever chemicals’ found off coast of southern England

    Study of Channel finds levels of toxic Pfas in Solent at 13 times safe limits in some places, with much coming from treated sewage

    Scientists have found high levels of toxic Pfas, or “forever chemicals”, in soil, water and throughout the marine food chain in the UK’s Solent strait, including at protected environmental sites, according to a new study.

    In some samples, pollution was 13 times the safe threshold for coastal waters. Others, which were below legal limits for individual chemicals, failed tests for combined toxicity.

    Continue reading...

  • Orcas could be casualty in Carney’s push for pipeline, environmental groups fear

    Rush to develop fossil fuel infrastructure in Canada collides with laws meant to protect endangered species

    Environmental groups in Canada fear endangered orcas could become a casualty of Mark Carney’s push for a new oil pipeline, as the rush to develop fossil fuel infrastructure collides with laws meant to protect threatened species.

    The decades-long tragedy of the critically endangered southern resident orcas has become emblematic of ecosystem in crisis. But fishermen, whale-watching companies and the marine transport industry have long feuded over bears the most blame.

    Continue reading...

  • For sale: one cute baby gibbon – mother probably killed by poachers

    Rising demand for exotic pets is pushing many gibbon species to extinction, with their strong family bonds making them especially vulnerable to the brutal trade

    It is a cool morning in Thailand’s hilly north, and a wildlife officer sits on the veranda of Omkoi wildlife sanctuary’s office. On her lap is a wide-eyed infant primate dressed in baby clothes. Not unlike a human baby, he kicks and waves excitedly. Most of his dark skin is covered in dense white fur, except for his face and the palms of his hands.

    “We call him Chokdee,” the officer says. “It means ‘good luck’.”

    Continue reading...

  • Country diary: A truly golden spring for buttercups and dandelions | Mark Cocker

    Snitterton, Derbyshire: I’ve had some glorious early mornings admiring the abundance of these much-loved flowers

    This spring has specialised in very specific kinds of abundance. In February it was snowdrops in extraordinary numbers, but last month it was dandelions. My most exulted sighting came as I drove out of upper Dovedale when, from the corner of my eye, I caught a blanket of gold running over the slope.

    The flowers held the foreground before the eye travelled onwards to Sheen Hill in Staffordshire. We overuse the word “carpet”, but in this instance it was appropriate. Each bloom was about the same height as all its neighbours, and if you eliminated gaps in colour by getting down face to face with the flower heads, then the whole land was turned into a single glorious sunshine hue.

    Continue reading...

  • Country diary: A bug bacchanalia on an old lime tree | Kate Blincoe

    Caistor St Edmund, Norfolk: Firebugs congregate in large numbers to feast and mate – and this is the first time we’ve known their revelry on the farm

    At this time of year the farm is a popular spot, with people strolling, horse riding or picnicking from dawn till dusk. One of the unexpected joys of opening up public access is the extra pairs of eyes. A broken fence or fallen tree is noticed almost immediately; an otter is spotted slipping into a stream at first light. Recently, Laura, a regular dog walker and keen photographer, shared something new.

    Congregating on the sunny side of an old lime tree is a colony of firebugs. There are 50 or so, clustered together, like flames flickering up the trunk. Each is nearly a centimetre long, with ember-bright red backs marked by bold, symmetrical black shapes. These aggregations, typically on lime or mallow, are for mating and feeding. A firebug eats seeds, aphids or even its dead relatives, sucking out moisture with its proboscis.

    Continue reading...

  • Declare climate crisis a global public health emergency, experts tell WHO

    Exclusive: Commission says alert would trigger coordinated international response that could help avoid millions dying

    The climate crisis should be declared a global public health emergency by the World Health Organization, or millions more people will die unnecessarily, leading international experts have said.

    The independent pan-European commission on climate and health, which was convened by the WHO, concluded the climate crisis was such a worldwide threat to health that the WHO should declare it “a public health emergency of international concern” (Pheic).

    Continue reading...

  • Fire and ‘sheer volume’: how Britain’s 6m-vape problem is putting recycling under strain

    Despite the ban on disposables, waste professionals say the mountain of discarded devices is a £1bn-a-year issue

    It is 2pm and Ana, 47, has just started the afternoon shift at the Suez recycling plant near Birmingham city centre, standing beneath a sign reading “Non-ferrous sorting station” with a bucket of vapes in front of her. Sorting and dismantling them is part of her job as a site operative.

    Recycling them is not simple. Each bucket holds between 40 and 50 devices, and over the course of a shift, she gets through about half a bucket. Using a hammer, she has to smash each vape open, pry out the batteries and separate each component into a different container.

    Continue reading...

  • ‘Should we leave them to die?’ The battle over how to save orangutans from the curse of palm oil

    As new settlers clear their forest habitat, the apes are coming into conflict with humans. But simply moving them to another part of the forest may not be the answer

    The banana skins were an ominous sign. As was the branch that had been broken off to get to the fruit. Had Edi Ramliwalked into the forest, he might have seen scattered balls of bark that had been ripped off trees, chewed like gum, then spat out. It takes a powerful jaw to do that. Closer to Edi’s home, there was an intricate construction of bent and broken branches high in a tree. The nest.

    It was October, the fruiting season. The pile of half-eaten bananas was less than a minute’s walk from where Edi and his family slept. He felt nervous. He got on with his day. He picked sweetcorn and sold it at the market. He bought a carton of chocolate milk and biscuits for his grandson. He and his wife, Siti Munawaroh, ran the farm with their three adult children. They prepped the land, sowed seeds, tended crops. Survival depended on what they could grow.

    Continue reading...

  • High risk yet home to thousands: the makeshift towns at the mercy of landslides and floods in Peru

    Like many informal settlements, communities that have sprung up on the edges of Ayacucho in the Andes are on the frontline of extreme weather events

    In December 2009, a late‑afternoon storm unleashed torrential rain over Ayacucho, in Peru, hitting poor hillside neighbourhoods hard. The deluge overwhelmed drainage systems, turning streams into lethal flows of mud, stones and debris that flooded houses and streets and trapped drivers at a busy junction.

    Ten people died, 18 were injured, and 530 houses were destroyed or damaged, according to a government inquest. “It was a disaster,” recalls Edgar Castro, a leader in Ayacucho’s largest informal neighbourhood, Mollepata.

    Continue reading...

  • ‘It fails under testing, but it’s what we have’: ban forces Palestinians to make their own cement from rubble

    With Israel blocking imports of building materials, those rebuilding in Gaza are recycling ruins to make new homes

    It is difficult to see through the dust inside the cramped, low-roofed tent on the eastern edge of Khan Younis. Ibrahim al-Aloul works alongside four others, with a piece of fabric tied over his mouth and nose as his only shield against the toxic grey powder as he sifts and grinds.

    Outside, a skinny donkey waits with a cart to carry the finished product to the next tent along, where it will be mixed with gypsum, calcium and binding agents before being bagged in flour sacks and sold.

    Continue reading...

Eco Health News feeds

Eco Nature News feeds

Copyright © 2026 Eco Hvar. All Rights Reserved. Developed by Orion Informatika.