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New Concern Over Pesticide Used to Fight Zika Mosquitoes

Posted at 5:20 PM, Aug 25, 2016
and last updated 2016-08-25 14:25:13-04

TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) - Health authorities have sprayed a pesticide from airplanes to kill the mosquitoes that carry Zika, however, it has been a recent concern that the chemical used, Naled, may also be harmful for pregnant women. 

In studies done near agricultural areas where they spray the chemical, they have found that when pregnant women are exposed to Naled, their babies are more likely to have behavior problems. 

In Puerto Rico, where Zika has been rampant, the Center for Disease Control and Environmental Protection Agency said Naled is safe and the best option for killing mosquitoes. The European Union has banned the insecticide.

Health officials said that Naled can indeed carry risks, but not as big as those posed by Zika.