Safety Precautions for Total Release Foggers

March 29, 2002

Total release foggers, also known as "bug bombs," are pesticide products containing aerosol propellants that release their contents at once to fumigate an area. These products are often used around the home to kill cockroaches, fleas, and other pests. Because the aerosol propellants in these foggers typically are flammable, improper use may cause a fire or explosion. On February 4, 1998, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved new requirements for fogger products to ensure that consumers are provided adequate information to use such products safely. EPA has prepared this fact sheet to help users reduce potential hazards associated with total release foggers, which contain flammable propellants.

• Pest Prevention First
• Safety Precautions
• Take Other Common-Sense Precautions
• Labeling Changes to Reduce Risks
• For More Information

Pest Prevention First

The most effective way to reduce or eliminate pest problems and risks posed by pesticides is to first prevent these pests from entering your home. Around the home, such measures include removing sources of food and water (such as leaky pipes) and destroying pest shelters and breeding sites (such as litter and plant debris). For additional information about preventing pests around the home, please review EPA's "Citizen's Guide to Pest Control and Pesticide Safety," available online at: http://www.epa.gov/oppfead1/Publications/Cit_Guide/citguide.pdf .(2.37 MB, 54 pgs, PDF)

Safety Precautions

When nonchemical pesticide prevention measures are not effective to control pests, you may choose to use a chemical pesticide. One type of product is the total release fogger. While these products can be effective under the proper circumstances, they can pose real risks to your home and family if used improperly. Before using a total release fogger in your home or building, please read and follow the safety tips and common-sense precautions below.

• Do Not Use More Foggers Than Necessary

Many accidents involving total release foggers have occurred when homeowners release an excessive amount of fogging material, leading to a high buildup of flammable vapors. Generally, one 6-ounce fogger should be sufficient for an average size home. Smaller-sized foggers are available for apartments and other small units. More precisely, use no more than 1 ounce of product per 1,000 cubic feet of living area. Foggers should not be used in small, enclosed places, such a closets, cabinets, or under counters or tables.

To calculate the volume of a living area: multiply the height, width, and length of each room, and then add the room volumes together. For example, an 8 foot by 10 foot by 10 foot room has a volume of 800 cubic feet.

• Keep Foggers Away From Ignition Sources

Accidents are most likely to occur if large amounts of foggers come into direct contact with an ignition source, such as a flame, pilot light, or spark from an electrical appliance that cycles on and off (e.g. refrigerator or air conditioner). EPA recommends placing the active fogger at least 6 feet or further from all ignition sources. If you need assistance with extinguishing pilot lights, please contact your local gas utility or management company.

Take Other Common-Sense Precautions

• Use no more than one fogger per room, keeping in mind that no more than 1 ounce of fogger per 1,000 ft should be used.
• Extinguish all ignition sources, such as pilot lights, or place fogger at lease 6 feet away from such sources.
• Remove all children, pets, toys, and uncovered food from treated area.
• Read the label and follow directions carefully.
• Properly ventilate the treated area after releasing foggers.
• Keep the product away from children, such as in a locked cabinet or shed.
• Teach children not to touch pesticide products and other household chemicals.
• Keep the telephone number of your local poison control center or the toll-free number (1-800-222-1222) for the National Poison Control Hotline handy.

Labeling Changes to Reduce Risks

In EPA's review of total release foggers, the Agency has found that labels developed prior to February 1998 may have language that would pose an unreasonable risk to property and pesticide users from fires and explosions. Such events might be caused by a buildup of extremely flammable propellants. By alerting consumers to the dangers of improper use of the total release foggers, EPA expects the revised flammability label warnings will reduce the risk of fires and explosions. These labeling requirements also provide specific directions for proper use of these products with minimal effects to industry or consumers. Specifically, the 1998 label requirements mandated the following label changes to total release foggers that contains highly flammable propellants:

• The "Physical and Chemical Hazards" section of the label must contain a graphic symbol depicting fire, and now reads: This product contains a highly flammable ingredient. It may cause a fire or explosion if not used properly. Follow the "Directions for Use" on this label very carefully.

• The "Directions for Use" section of the label now reads: DO NOT use more than one fogger per room. DO NOT use in small, enclosed spaces such as closets, cabinets, or under counters or tables. DO NOT use in a room 5 feet by 5 feet or smaller; instead, allow fog to enter from other rooms. Turn off ALL ignition sources such as pilot lights (shut off gas valves), other open flames, or running electrical appliances that cycle off and on (i.e., refrigerators, thermostats, etc.). Call your gas utility or management company if you need assistance with your pilot lights.