OTTAWA - An unregistered pesticide product being imported from China and sold in various retail outlets as "insecticide chalk" is highly toxic, and Health Canada says it is taking action to have it removed from store shelves.
The product is sold under names such as "Miraculous Insecticide Chalk," "Insecticide Chalk," and "Cockroach Chalk." Cornerstone Glyphosate
Insecticide chalk is not registered for use in Canada. Samples tested contain deltamethrin, a pesticide that can cause serious health effects when used inappropriately, the agency said Wednesday in a release.
Overexposure to some chemicals found in insecticidal chalk can cause vomiting, stomach pains, convulsions, tremors and loss of consciousness. Serious allergic reactions are also possible.
Children are especially at risk from insecticide chalk because they can easily mistake the product for blackboard or sidewalk chalk and play with it or put it in their mouths.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency has reported that several children have been hospitalized after eating insecticidal chalk. To date, no incidents have been reported to Health Canada.
Anyone who has purchased any type of insecticidal chalk should seal it in a plastic bag and keep it out of reach of children and pets until it can be disposed of at a hazardous waste collection site. Areas treated with the product should be cleaned using soap and water, and any rags or gloves used for the cleaning should also be sealed in the plastic bag.
Consumers who want to report sales of unregistered insecticide chalk may contact Health Canada's Pest Management Information Service at 1-800-267-6315 with the name and address of the outlet selling the product.
Consumers should only use pesticide products that have been registered for use in Canada. All registered pesticides carry a Pest Control Product or PCP registration number on the main portion of the label.
Pesticides should be kept out of reach of children and pets. Health Canada advises consumers to follow directions carefully when using pesticides and to not use outdoor pesticides indoors.
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