Bedbug Toxin 'Likely' Cause Of Sarah Carter's Death

[george]

CHIANG MAI: DOWNTOWN INN DEATHS

Bedbug toxin 'likely' cause of Sarah Carter's death

CHIANG MAI HOLIDAY TRAGEDY: Sarah Carter.

Traces of chlorpyrifos, which is used to kill bedbugs but has been banned in other countries, have been found in samples that current affairs television show 60 Minutes had independently tested.

Carter, 23, died and her friends Emma Langlands and Amanda Eliason became gravely ill while on holiday in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

A United Nations scientist, Ron McDowall, said there was a strong likelihood Carter died from excessive exposure to the substance, which causes identical symptoms to those suffered by the trio as well as several other tourists who died after staying at the hotel.

The fact traces of chlorpyrifos were found three months after Carter's death and after the room was cleaned suggested there was a high concentration when she was staying there.

"I think she has been killed by an overzealous sprayer who's been acting on the instructions of the hotel owner to deal with bed bugs," McDowall said.

Even a slight mistake in the dosage of chlorpyrifos, which has been banned for indoor use in many countries, could be lethal, he said.

McDowall checked his theory with other experts from New Zealand and Italy, who supported his belief that Carter was killed by the chemical.

"Their reaction was that it's quite clear that it's chlorpyrifos poisoning... the symptoms are the same, the pathology is the same and the proxy indicates that the chemical was present in the room."

A Thailand police inspector said police were looking into the possibility the tourists were killed by over exposure to pest control chemicals.

Carter's father Richard Carter said it was "good to get an answer" about how his daughter died.

"It's still pretty horrific that they have such low standards that that can happen," he said.

Sarah Carter's mother, Anna Carter, said she hoped action would be taken so other tourists would not die.

-- The Dominion Post and NZPA 2011-05-08

[george]

Chlorpyrifos (WIKIPEDIA)

Health effects

Chlorpyrifos is an organophosphate, with potential for both acute toxicity at larger amounts and neurological effects in fetuses and children even at very small amounts.

For acute effects, the EPA classifies chlorpyrifos as Class II: moderately toxic. Recent research indicates that children exposed to chlorpyrifos while in the womb have an increased risk of delays in mental and motor development at age 3 and an increased occurrence of pervasive developmental disorders such as ADHD.[13] An earlier study demonstrated a correlation between prenatal chlorpyrifos exposure and lower weight and smaller head circumference at birth.[14]

A 2010 study found that each 10-fold increase in urinary concentration of organophosphate metabolites was associated with a 55% to 72% increase in the odds of ADHD in children.[15]

Studies have shown evidence of "deficits in Working Memory Index and Full-Scale IQ as a function of prenatal CPF exposure [as measured when the children reach] 7 years of age."[16]

Effects on marine life and bees

Chlorpyrifos is highly toxic to amphibians, and a recent study by the United States Geological Survey found that its main breakdown product in the environment, chlorpyrifos oxon, is even more toxic to these animals.[17]

The substance is very toxic for aquaculture (fish) and bees

Source: Wikipedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chlorpyrifos

[cloudhopper]

Nice work. Now the authorities will hopefully ban the use of this substance in LOS. Wonder if this same agent was a factor in the Koh Phiphi GH deaths as well?

Edited May 8, 2011 by cloudhopper

[Credo]

I am glad the family has answers, although I am sure it is of little comfort.

So much for the coincidence theory.

[asiawatcher]

It was still inexcusable the hotel remained open after continuing deaths. Cheapo owners excuse to control poor house cleaning issues. And of course there will be no prosecution other than possibly the exterminators being taken down as the hotel owner is related to people 'in uniform'.

[elektrified]

Wonder if this same agent was a factor in the Koh Phiphi GH deaths as well?

They suspected this chemical all along according to the article.

Edited May 8, 2011 by elektrified

[chmiroau]

Major problem here is that no one will likely be held responsible for these deaths. This will primarily come about because there seems to be very little or a nonexistence of any public health and safety, anywhere in the country.

There seems to be an over abundance of 'mai bpen rai' and bribery going on. Because of this these poor families, although they now have the answer, they will never see a lawful conclusion to these deaths.

So very sad. My condolences to all that were, are still being affected by this tragedy.

Biggest tragedy is the Thai culture is now better known across the world as an uncaring irresponsible society.

Edited May 8, 2011 by chmiroau

[jfchandler]

Mr. Mayor, Oh Mr. Mayor... Where are you and your family???

If the detail of this report turns out to be correct, that lands the liability for the multiple Downtown Inn deaths right there with the hotel and its owner(s).

It also raises broader questions about the use of this chemical in the broader hotel industry in Thailand.

Next time you book and stay in a hotel, how can you know you're not being exposed to a silent killer...

It's also a sad indictment of Thailand's public health system, or at least its operation in Chiang Mai, that news of this had to come from outside the country, instead of Thailand's investigators getting to the bottom of the mystery themselves.

Edited May 8, 2011 by jfchandler

[rwhoov]

"It's still pretty horrific that they have such low standards that that can happen," he said.

Is he talking about pesticide use or the wonderful police report blaming the guests?

[Lozman]

Wow..What great investigative journalism. Well done. My condolences to all the family of those destroyed by the actions of those involved. I think its time to call on our respective Governments to call on the Thai Government to catch up with the rest of the world and ban this stuff in any confined space and especially against 'bed bugs'. Its not good for health and it is certainly no good for tourism. If its banned, and used, its murder, or at the least..manslaughter. Good work Journalists. Thank You.

[james24]

It was still inexcusable the hotel remained open after continuing deaths. Cheapo owners excuse to control poor house cleaning issues. And of course there will be no prosecution other than possibly the exterminators being taken down as the hotel owner is related to people 'in uniform'.

Is it still open.....???

[VictorOne]

As long as they can save face and protect their precious tourist industry they will continue to cover up.

It is fair to say that if it weren't for the widespread publicity that the case has attracted around the world the BIB would still be pursuing their coincidence theory.

TIT

[Willeyeam]

Quote

"A Thailand police inspector said police were looking into the possibility the tourists were killed by over exposure to pest control chemicals."

When?

After the foreign scientists found it for him?

[lis41]

Is it still open.....???

Drove by about 2 hours ago and the doors were open.

[george]

Sarah Carter's likely cause of death - insecticide - Video:

NZ News Video report from today, May 8, 2011:

http://www.3news.co.nz/Sarah-Carters-likely-cause-of-death---insecticide/tabid/371/articleID/210265/Default.aspx

[skorchio]

It's also a sad indictment of Thailand's public health system, or at least its operation in Chiang Mai, that news of this had to come from outside the country, instead of Thailand's investigators getting to the bottom of the mystery themselves.

Yes, my sentiments exactly. To be honest, this was to be expected. Even if the truth was known to the local health authorities, it would likely never have come out. They would (on instruction) stonewall and expect the case to fade away. I am not sure how many people died, but for a while they were dropping like flies.

The response reminds me of Thaksin years ago, the day after tsunami. He claimed on air that Thailand had the situation under control and did not need any specialist assistance. He didn't even know the extent of the problem ..... they needed all the help that could be summonsed ...

[fxe1200]

It was still inexcusable the hotel remained open after continuing deaths. Cheapo owners excuse to control poor house cleaning issues. And of course there will be no prosecution other than possibly the exterminators being taken down as the hotel owner is related to people 'in uniform'.

Why? As long the owners can buy the agent legally, Thailand, ore their politicians are responsible for the deaths. Just walk to your next Carrefour, or TESCO. You still can buy floorcleaners with "nanophenols" in them, which causes birth defects. Moreover, the people in thailand walk barefeet on their floor or tiles. This "ingredient" is outlawed in Europe since ages.

It is the never ending story of "mai pen rai",the ignorance and inactivity of the Thai government, as those guys are only interested in how Thailand can be exploited to their own advantage.

[TechnikaIII]

Sickening, absolutely sickening to read this. Parents to be embraced and

commended for their responses, but it will cloud their lives forever. I can't even begin to imagine the horror of that.<br>

<br>

I am not surprised at the ignorance of the hotel and the sprayers. I have

been wondering how the majority of Thais, outside the realms legitimate

universities, actually ever learn anything, especially when you take a

look at whatever media there is, or isn't. The television is for the most part

trash, and there is no printed media where I am. Internet cafes are

chock full of kids playing games, and the only other obvious use of

Internet is sport fishing for farang fools with money. So a product is

banned for indoor use in how many countries? Most of these people have

never even heard of those countries, let alone care what happens in

them, especially when you have prominent politicians proudly outspoken

about disrespect for farangs. My 36 year old ex, with supposedly a

Bachelor degree (in hairdressing?) didn't even know that Australia

wasn't part of Europe. For heaven's sake. When the most recent of van

crashes occurred, she just brushed it off, together with my concerns for

the speeds they drive at. It wasn't the van I take, so it didn't matter.

To illustrate her indifference, she topped speeds of 150 kmph when she

drove me to the airport in March, against my wishes to take the train. She doesn't want a partner who saves money, is concerned about this

life and rides a bicycle for all the good reasons of health (avoiding stress), economy and

concerns for the environment. It's bad for her image. My point is,

that if she, a supposed graduate, is so uncaring about such things, who

the hell is going to care about a substance in a bedroom you can't even

see. I do not think there will ever be answer that will provide any

measure of solace.

(By the way, I do not use the vans for transport to BKK any more.)

Edited May 8, 2011 by TechnikaIII

[RedQualia]

Interesting that the reported tests were performed by "current affairs television program," "60 Minutes." That's a somewhat serious and popular news program back in the states (likely one of the best offered there; I think they've had Obama on a couple of times), so this sorta suggests there could be a 20 minute news segment concerning "Deaths at the Downtown Inn in Chiang Mai" aired back in the states. Maybe it'll make it to youtube, if such is indeed ever aired.

[drdoom6996]

It was still inexcusable the hotel remained open after continuing deaths. Cheapo owners excuse to control poor house cleaning issues. And of course there will be no prosecution other than possibly the exterminators being taken down as the hotel owner is related to people 'in uniform'.

Our leaders and politicians and Police hard at work. They have to take the tea money offered by these businesses. And then allow more people to get sick, maybe die.

[djlest]

Just A Typical Thai Day and response and tragedy in Thailand

This countries biggest embarrassment and weakness is lack of education

Ofcourse, Ingnorance, Arrogance, Egotistical Face, Laziness, Narrow mindedness, and the mai pen rai (i don't care with a smile)

All of the symptoms also due to a lack of education...

But for any teacher who knows what the schools are like here... you cannot teach a fish how to fly....

[Scott]

Let's stay on-topic. The discussion of roofing tiles, although interesting, is probably best left to a different thread.

Thanks.

[arrowsdawdle]

Google bed bugs in Khon Kaen and be forewarned.

[jfchandler]

Here's some info on this chemical's status in the U.S.:

For Release: November 30, 2010

EPA is seeking public comment until December 20, 2010 on a draft stipulation in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York that will stay further litigation with the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and Pesticide Action Network North America (PANNA) on their claim that EPA has unreasonably delayed its response to their 2007 petition to cancel all uses and revoke all tolerances for the pesticide chlorpyrifos. Under the draft Stipulation and Order, the case will be suspended, provided (1) EPA issues a preliminary human health risk assessment for chlorpyrifos by June 1, 2011, and requests comment on that assessment; and (2) EPA sends NRDC and PANNA a written response to their petition by November 23, 2011. If the lawsuit is not reactivated by January 23, 2012, it will be dismissed.

http://epa.gov/oppfe...s-petition.html

Also EPA fact sheet on chlorpyrifos

http://www.epa.gov/o...rpyrifos_fs.htm

Health Effects

• Chlorpyrifos can cause cholinesterase inhibition in humans; that is, it can overstimulate the nervous system causing nausea, dizziness, confusion, and at very high exposures (e.g., accidents or major spills), respiratory paralysis and death.

• In June, 2000, the Agency entered into an agreement with the technical registrants to eliminate virtually all homeowner uses, except ant and roach baits in child resistent packaging.

• Residential postapplication exposures may occur after termiticide use in residential structures. To mitigate risks from this use, the technical registrants agreed in June 2000 to limit termiticide treatments to 0.5% solution, and cancel all postconstruction uses. Pre-construction use will remain until 2005, unless acceptable exposure data are submitted that show that residential postapplication risks from this use are not a concern.

Also:

If you decide to kill the bed bugs yourself, apply an insecticide that is specifically labeled for bed bug management. Apply to hiding places around base boards, door and wall moldings and floor boards. Caution: NEVER USE ANY INSECTICIDE ON A MATTRESS - unless the label specifically refers to application to a mattress. Most insect sprays are not registered for application to mattresses. People often opt rather to discard the mattress.

http://www.bed-bug.org/insectisides-for-bed-bugs/

Edited May 8, 2011 by jfchandler

[Credo]

Bedbugs are difficult to exterminate. They are tough little critters. At a minimum, rooms that have been sprayed need to be left unoccupied for several days and very well ventilated. They also need a thorough cleaning before being rented again.

Bedbugs can live in bedding, including the mattresses, which would probably need to be disposed of. Can you imagine sleeping with your face in a mattress full of a dangerous chemical?

[crusader79]

Interesting that the reported tests were performed by "current affairs television program," "60 Minutes." That's a somewhat serious and popular news program back in the states (likely one of the best offered there; I think they've had Obama on a couple of times), so this sorta suggests there could be a 20 minute news segment concerning "Deaths at the Downtown Inn in Chiang Mai" aired back in the states. Maybe it'll make it to youtube, if such is indeed ever aired.

It's probably the New Zealand 60 Minutes program (haven't watched George's link yet but that's probably it).

But it's such a dramatic and frightening story it may very well get picked up by the American and Australian 60 Minutes programs.

Edited May 8, 2011 by crusader79

[ginjag]

Google bed bugs in Khon Kaen and be forewarned.

So if this looks like it is going to be the cause of others, so much for the theory of the English elderly couple having a coincidental heart attack at the same time in the same room. Only gone for a super time in Thailand, in this untouchable hotel, Chiang Mai. W.H.Organisation, get this place closed, and ban the chemical please. this is a sick joke in the world now.

[janverbeem]

Nice work. Now the authorities will hopefully ban the use of this substance in LOS. Wonder if this same agent was a factor in the Koh Phiphi GH deaths as well?

It will only be a matter of time before we get a news topic reading " Crackdown on use of chlorpyrifos ",not that it will make any difference after all but always better than " Thailand will be the hub of chlorpyrifos"

[Thongkorn]

Its all down to Education, Education , Education, as we have been told in Britain by a famous English Politician Margret Thatcher. and i think its true, if the Thai government spent money on education in stead of pointless adverts thats are on every night, at 7pm and 8pm on all the TV channels.You cannot blame the people for ignorance because they know no different , I have been laughed at because i get mosquito bites and it makes me concerned, Try tell the Thai people about dengue fever, even though many people die every year they seem not to understand..Why not have TV adverts explaining simple things about health issues. like coughs and sneezes , the basic things about general hygiene. the rest should follow. but again every thing is down to Money.

[theanimaster]

Could just as well be the ghosts of Ladda Land that caused those deaths. And it will be those ghosts that will be prosecuted.

Be safe y'all. Now you know what ingredient to check for next time you pick up some spray at Tesco's. That is... If it ain't all in Thai.....