This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Concerns Arise on Mosquito Spraying in Nassau

Are you concerned about mosquito spraying in Nassau?

Several concerns have been raised about possible health effects from mosquito spraying after Nassau County Department of Health (NCDOH) officials completed throughout the county.

Some residents feel that not only is the spray ineffective against the mosquito population but extremely hazardous to their own health.

"We all shouldn't be subject to being dosed with pesticides because there's a group of people who call up the health department and don't want mosquitoes to bother them at their barbecues," said Cathy Gottschalk, founder of the newly formed group NoSprayLI.

Find out what's happening in Syossetwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), spraying adulticides, pesticides intended to kill adult mosquitoes, is usually the least efficient mosquito control technique.

The New York State Department of Health has also reported that widespread aerial or ground spraying of adulticides can result in acute asthma attacks, other respiratory problems or dermatological problems.

Find out what's happening in Syossetwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"Our spray is approved and recommended by the department of environmental conservation," said Mary Ellen Laurain, Director of the Office of Communications and Health Education for the NCDOH. "They permit us and tell us what to spray."

"We recommend that people should avoid coming into direct contact with the spray," Laurain added. "The health effects are considered low. People should reduce or eliminate any exposure to the spray."

Are you concerned about mosquito spraying in Syosset? Do you and your family stay indoors for a long time because of spraying or are you more relaxed about it? Tell us in the comments below!

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?