Larvacide shouldn't be handled without gloves

Editor:

In a Aug. 21 story in The News-Times, West Nile worries residents, Colum-bia County Emergency Services Director Pam Tucker said she cant stand it when people are scared and they do not need to be. I cant stand it when people are not scared and they need to be.

I am referring to the accompanying photo which shows Columbia County employee Tim Holloway handling Altosid (larvacide) tablets barehanded. It stands to reason, if they will kill larvae, they could ruin his day as well.

Bad enough, if after handling the Altosid, he smoked a cigarette or ate lunch without washing his hands. But everything he touched could have exposed other employees to the danger as well - the steering wheel on his vehicle, files, pens, pencils, the coffee pot handle in the break room - you get the picture.

The Material Safety Data Sheet on Altosid speaks volumes and should be on file in his workplace. He should be reprimanded for showing his ignorance on the front page of the paper.

Estella Hernandez

Environmental Protection Specialist

Environmental & Natural Resources Management Office

Fort Gordon