Press Releases

AFCD reminds public on safe use of pesticides for mosquito control
Saturday, March 22, 2003

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has published a leaflet on safe use of household pesticides for mosquito control.

"The public should prevent mosquitoes breeding before summer by eliminating all possible breeding sites in and around their living areas," a spokesman for the department said today (March 22). "In some cases, the use of pesticides may be necessary as a mosquito control measure."

The leaflet explains the special features of aerosol sprays, mosquito coils and electrical mosquito devices and gives instructions on how to use them safely.

The following precautionary measures should be taken when using household pesticides:

Always read and follow the instructions on the label;

Keep pesticides out of the reach of children;

Do not store pesticides with food and drinks;

Avoid using pesticides when babies, elderly people, pregnant women and people suffering from illness and allergies are present;

Avoid excessive use and prolonged exposure;

Do not use in small enclosed rooms or poorly ventilated areas;

Do not smoke, eat or drink while using pesticides;

Wash your hands with soap and water after use;

Dispose of empty pesticide containers with your household waste; do not reuse them for other purposes.

Consumers should buy only registered pesticides that are properly packaged and labeled. Every registered pesticide has a registration number on the label for easy recognition.

The leaflet is available at all District Offices, and the Plant and Pesticides Regulatory Division of AFCD at 5th floor, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong.

The information can also be seen on AFCD's website at http://www.afcd.gov.hk.

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