Police: Inform neighbours before fumigating

Dubai: Residents have been urged to inform their neighbours if they wish to fumigate their apartments, a Dubai Police official has said.

Dr Saifuddin Abdul Rahim, a chemistry expert with the Department of Forensic Evidence and Criminology, also called on residents to engage professional and licensed fumigators and ensure that no agricultural pesticides are used in their homes.

Given that most apartments share the same air conditioning system, Dr Abdul Rahim said people seeking to have their apartments fumigated must ensure that the air conditioner is switched off to avoid the possibility of toxic fumes filtering into a neighbour's apartment.

Once fumigation is done, residents must thoroughly clean the house and ensure it is well aired. All food containers must be washed thoroughly before being used, Dr Abdul Rahim added.

One of the most dangerous agricultural pesticides often used in houses is aluminium phosphide. Dr Abdul Rahim said it should only be used on farms and in open spaces due to the extreme danger it poses to humans, he said.

The odourless pesticide reacts with water and once inhaled causes nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhoea, thirst, dizziness, fatigue, chest pains and causes breathing difficulties. In the most extreme of cases, one may lose consciousness, suffocate and die.

The use of aluminium phosphide in residential buildings is illegal, according to Law No 849 of 2011 Dr Abdul Rahim said.

He added that there is no antidote for aluminum phosphide poisoning.