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Information update

Insecticide Chalk Contains a Highly Toxic Substance

Starting date:
February 15, 2012
Posting date:
February 15, 2012
Type of communication:
Information Update
Subcategory:
Drugs
Source of recall:
Health Canada
Issue:
Poisoning Hazard
Audience:
General Public
Identification number:
RA-110005415

Download PDF document - Chinese only - 110 K

Health Canada is advising Canadians not to buy an unregistered, highly toxic pesticide product being imported from China and sold in various retail outlets as "insecticide chalk." The product is sold under names such as "Miraculous Insecticide Chalk," "Insecticide Chalk," and "Cockroach Chalk."

Insecticide chalk is not registered for use in Canada. Samples tested contain deltamethrin, a pesticide that can cause serious health effects when used inappropriately. 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.

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. 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 having 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.

Health Canada is taking action to have these products removed from store shelves. Consumer wishing 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. Follow the directions carefully when using pesticides. Remember that outdoor pesticides must not be used indoors. And always keep pesticides out of reach of children and pets.

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