Environmentalists push for Suffolk to halt use of mosquito control chemical

<p>There are new calls for Suffolk County to stop using a controversial chemical that is sprayed in nice weather to control the mosquito population.</p>

News 12 Staff

Dec 6, 2018, 6:02 PM

Updated 1,961 days ago

Share:

There are new calls for Suffolk County to stop using a controversial chemical that is sprayed in nice weather to control the mosquito population.
Kevin McAllister, of Defend H20, is concerned over Suffolk's plans to continue aerial spraying of methoprene to control mosquitoes. He points to studies that say the chemical can hurt some marine life and beneficial insects.
But Suffolk's vector control chief tells News 12 in a statement: "The county's methoprene usage undergoes a rigorous environmental review and the county continually reviews documentation and scientific literature to keep current on any potential health and environmental effects."
States like Connecticut and Rode Island have tight restrictions on the use of methoprene. Some New York lawmakers are trying to get similar restrictions passed in the state.
"I am hopeful, with the backing of constituents and the environmental organizations, that we will obtain passage this session," Sen. Ken LaValle said in a statement.
Suffolk says the methoprene it uses is approved by the state and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.


More from News 12
2:05
Long Island native ID’d as person who set himself on fire outside Trump trial in Manhattan

Long Island native ID’d as person who set himself on fire outside Trump trial in Manhattan

1:35
Cloudy start to the weekend before sun comes through

Cloudy start to the weekend before sun comes through

0:37
Officials: Wildlife rehabilitator took raccoons into her Merrick home without required rabies license

Officials: Wildlife rehabilitator took raccoons into her Merrick home without required rabies license

1:42
FBI on alert as Jewish Long Islanders prepare to celebrate Passover

FBI on alert as Jewish Long Islanders prepare to celebrate Passover

0:22
East Northport man sentenced to 23 years in prison for sexually abusing great niece

East Northport man sentenced to 23 years in prison for sexually abusing great niece

1:44
Islandia woman turns 106, offers secret to long life

Islandia woman turns 106, offers secret to long life

2:28
Islanders owner surprises fans with free playoff tickets

Islanders owner surprises fans with free playoff tickets

0:35
Calverton man pleads guilty to attempted murder charges related to opening fire at Bellport vigil

Calverton man pleads guilty to attempted murder charges related to opening fire at Bellport vigil

1:46
Alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer’s defense attorney demands information on other ‘top suspect’

Alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer’s defense attorney demands information on other ‘top suspect’

0:51
Baldwin students learn business skills with 'Little Lenox Bakery'

Baldwin students learn business skills with 'Little Lenox Bakery'

0:35
Tesla recalling nearly 4,000 Cybertrucks because accelerator pedal can get stuck

Tesla recalling nearly 4,000 Cybertrucks because accelerator pedal can get stuck

1:46
Gov. Hochul announces harsher penalties for illegal smoke shops

Gov. Hochul announces harsher penalties for illegal smoke shops

2:10
News 12 provides tips on the do's and don'ts of recycling

News 12 provides tips on the do's and don'ts of recycling

Is your mom awesome? Long Island tell us why your Mom Rocks!

Is your mom awesome? Long Island tell us why your Mom Rocks!

Show off your team spirit! Share your photos with News 12

Show off your team spirit! Share your photos with News 12

1:55
The Real Deal: How tipping trends have changed in the tri-state area

The Real Deal: How tipping trends have changed in the tri-state area

0:13
Officials: West Babylon home destroyed by fire

Officials: West Babylon home destroyed by fire

0:47
Cafe 217 provides students with autism chance for work experience at East Rockaway HS

Cafe 217 provides students with autism chance for work experience at East Rockaway HS

0:42
Community raises $12,000 for workers of Merrick bar closed due to fire

Community raises $12,000 for workers of Merrick bar closed due to fire

0:23
Police: Hempstead man stole parking meters near Jericho Turnpike and Roslyn Road

Police: Hempstead man stole parking meters near Jericho Turnpike and Roslyn Road