OPT-OUT FORM

This is an opt-out form for Ephraim residents.  If you are interested in opting out copy and paste this into a word document and print.  Return the form to either Rachel or Amy.  Or you can sign, scan and email it to healthysanpete@gmail.com.  Don't forget, if opting out is not for you, but you respect your neighbor's right to opt-out, there is a form for that as well!  

Attention: Residents of Ephraim City, UT                               OPT-OUT

Exemption From Spray Request Form

Opposing the use of pesticides on our properties and residences.

If you are concerned about the city spraying your residence/property with chemical pesticides for mosquito control, please fill out the bottom portion of this form if you do not want your property/residence to be sprayed with chemical pesticides/insecticides.  There are less toxic approaches to control mosquito populations.  Residents should also contact their local and state officials immediately and voice their concerns.

Negative human health effects are well documented from pesticides.  Organophosphates (Malathion) are associated with a broad array of human health impacts.  Common acute effects include difficulty breathing, vomiting, cramps, diarrhea, blurred vision, sweating, headaches and dizziness.  Human health effects may be most severe for developing unborn babies, children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.  Effects include immune system suppression, nervous system effects, and with prenatal exposure lower cognition (IQ), dyslexia and ADHD. 

For most humans, West Nile Virus (WNV) is a very low risk disease. More people die from the flu than WNV.  Those at risk from WNV, the immune compromised & elderly, will also be at risk along with the general population, including unborn babies and children, for potential serious adverse health effects from widespread pesticide spraying.  Widespread pesticide use is documented to harm sensitive ecosystems and vulnerable individuals.

Pesticide spraying is not very effective.  Rapid development of pest resistance to organophosphates is well documented.  Repeat spraying is necessary to overcome rapid mosquito rebound.  Long-range effects of pesticide spraying can actually increase the number of mosquitoes by destroying their natural predators.  Mosquitoes that survive the spraying may become resistant, longer-lived, and more aggressive.  

Sustained use of pesticides puts our ecosystems at considerable risk.  Organophosphates are highly toxic to many beneficial insects including all bees, honeybees and other essential pollinators.  Where substances have been shown to have the potential for health and ecosystem damage, they should not be used.

Steps individuals can take to minimize local mosquito populations and prevent bites:

·              Remove any unnecessary items on your property that hold stagnant water, such as old tires. 

·              Empty water from buckets, toys, and containers, and store them in places where they will not collect rain.

·              Drain water from birdbaths, fountains, wading pools, plant pots and drip trays twice a week.

·              Check for ways water may collect around your house: gutters, standing water on flat roofs, puddles beneath air conditioners.

·               Clear vegetation and trash from drains, culverts, ponds or streams on your property so that water drains properly.

·               Eliminate standing water in your basement.

·               Make sure window and door screens fit properly and replace outdoor lights with yellow “bug lights”.

·               Wear light colored clothing.

·               Keep grassy areas short and mow lawns regularly.

FOR MORE INFO:     www.healthysanpete.blogspot.com              healthysanpete@gmail.com

To voice your health concerns and objections to pesticide use, call/contact/email your County Environmental Health Department or Ephraim City Manager at:

Manti Office: 40 W. 200 N., 435-835-2231, kpcox@utah.gov  Mt. Pleasant Office: 20 S. 100 W., 435-462-2449, carolemott@utah.gov

Ephraim City Manager: 5 S. Main, 435-283-4631, regan.bolli@ephraimcity.org

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Please ensure the following property is not sprayed/fogged with any pesticides/insecticides for any mosquito control spray program or any other pest control program in the city of Ephraim, UT.

____________________________________            ­­­­­­___________________________________­­­­______

Name (Print)                                                                                                     Email

____________________________________            _________________________________________

Street                                                                                                                  City                            State                                           Zip

____________________________________            _________________________________________

Signature                                                                       Date                           Phone

Please confirm this request by email: _____                             Please confirm this request in writing: _____