The FBRK editorial team continues to analyse which preparations are used for disinsection of urban plantings in the regions of Kazakhstan in 2025.
In the Almaty Region, authorities declare a priority for the ecological approach, requiring that at least 50% of the products used be biological preparations. However, alongside safe biological agents, the region still uses ‘Diuron’ and ‘Cypertrin’ — chemical insecticides which, if used incorrectly, can pose risks to public health and the environment.
For the third year running, the FBRK editorial team is analysing which preparations are used to treat green spaces in various regions of Kazakhstan. Our investigation reveals alarming patterns: local authorities continue to use potentially dangerous chemical substances, ignoring the possible risks to public health and the environment.
BIOLOGICAL PREPARATIONS AS THE FOUNDATION OF A NEW STRATEGY
In responses to official requests from the FBRK, the Department of Housing and Communal Services and the Sanitary and Epidemiological Control Department of the Almaty Region confirm their commitment to environmental principles. In Konayev, biological treatment of green spaces is carried out in two stages: from 5 to 17 May and from 1 to 15 July 2025. In Alatau, similar measures are planned from 25 May to 10 June and from 20 July to 10 August.
The mainstay of the arsenal consists of biological preparations:
- ‘Akarofit’ — contains avermectin C, a natural product of the vital activity of soil microorganisms. When used correctly, the preparation is practically harmless to humans, warm-blooded animals and beneficial insects.
- ‘Green Gold’ — based on azadirachtin, a natural insecticide from the seeds of the neem tree. The substance has a selective action, causing no harm to bees and other pollinators.
These products represent a modern alternative to chemical insecticides, allowing effective control of pest numbers without creating long-term environmental risks.
DIURON: LOW TOXICITY, BUT NOT SAFE
Despite the declared ecological approach, ‘Diuron’ with the active substance diflubenzuron remains in the arsenal of municipal services. This herbicide-insecticide belongs to hazard class IV — low-hazard substances; however, its use in the urban environment raises legitimate questions.
The mechanism of action of the preparation is dual: it disrupts the synthesis of chitin in insects, suppressing the development of their larvae, and simultaneously inhibits photosynthesis in plant cells. If the application regulations are violated, diflubenzuron can cause headache and difficulty breathing in humans.
Of particular concern is the high toxicity of the preparation for freshwater invertebrates, including crustaceans and molluscs. Studies show that diflubenzuron affects their reproductive function, growth, reproduction and survival. In the conditions of the Almaty Region, rich in water resources, this could create serious environmental risks if precautions are not observed.
The preparation persists in the soil and can accumulate in the environment, although it gradually breaks down under the action of microorganisms and ultraviolet radiation. Application recommendations prohibit treatment near water bodies and require restricting access for people and animals for 48 hours after treatment.
CYPERMETHRIN: CONTRADICTORY INFORMATION ABOUT A FAMILIAR PREPARATION
The most alarming aspect is the use of the preparation ‘Cypertrin’ with the active substance cypermethrin. This insecticide from the pyrethroid group is widely used in agriculture, and its characteristics raise serious concerns when used in an urban environment.
Contradictory information from departments exacerbates the situation. The Sanitary and Epidemiological Control Department claims that the preparation has ‘a living composition that does not contain toxins’, and its ‘active substance consists of protein crystals and spores of a microbial culture’. However, the Housing and Communal Services Department clearly states the active substance as cypermethrin.
Cypermethrin is a synthetic insecticide which, if used incorrectly, can have a toxic effect on the nervous system of mammals. We have previously written that this same preparation is used in children's health camps in the Kostanay Region, where it poses a serious threat to children's health.
The mechanism of action of cypermethrin is to disrupt the transmission of nerve impulses in insects, causing paralysis and death. However, if the conditions of use are violated, it can also affect other organisms. The preparation is extremely toxic to cats, fish, bees and aquatic insects.
Persistence in the environment makes cypermethrin particularly insidious: it remains on treated surfaces for up to 20-30 days, and in soil for up to 10 weeks depending on its type. This means that city residents can be exposed to the toxic substance for a long time after disinsection has been carried out.
If it enters the human body, cypermethrin can cause headaches, dizziness, impaired coordination of movements, and in severe cases — convulsions. Particularly dangerous are allergic reactions: skin rashes, itching, tearing, rhinitis, which can appear even at low concentrations of the substance in the air.
RISKS FOR THE URBAN ENVIRONMENT
The use of cypermethrin in the urban environment creates multiple risks. Unlike agricultural land, where the preparation is used in open spaces, urban conditions are characterised by high population density, the presence of playgrounds, recreation areas and the proximity of residential areas to treatment sites.
Imagine a typical situation: city residents are walking in a park or public garden after disinsection has been carried out, children are playing on the grass, touching treated plants, and then, without washing their hands, eating ice cream or fruit. In such conditions, contact with residues of the preparation becomes almost inevitable.
Of particular concern is the lack of clear information about how long restrictions on visiting treated areas remain in place, whether compliance with these restrictions is monitored, and how effective measures to inform the public about potential risks are.
THE NEED FOR SYSTEMIC CHANGES
Against the backdrop of practices in other regions, the Almaty Region demonstrates a more progressive approach. The requirement that at least 50% of the products used be biological preparations is an important step towards environmentally safe disinsection. Informing the public through official online resources and social networks allows residents to take precautionary measures.
However, the contradictory information between departments regarding the characteristics of the preparations used points to systemic problems in coordination and control. The use of cypermethrin in the urban environment remains a controversial decision, especially considering its long-term effects and potential risks to public health.
CONCLUSION
The Almaty Region is at a transitional stage towards environmentally safe disinsection. The declared priority of biological preparations and the requirement for their predominant use deserve approval. However, the retention of chemical agents in the arsenal, especially cypermethrin, requires clearer justification and strict control over their use.
Critically important steps would be standardisation of information between departments, the development of clear criteria for the use of chemical agents, and the strengthening of public oversight of the disinsection process. Full transparency in matters of choice of preparations and their characteristics will help residents make informed decisions about precautionary measures.
The experience of the Almaty Region shows that the transition to safe disinsection methods is possible, but requires consistency and a systemic approach. We have previously written about the problematic situation in the Abay Region, where despite the use of chemical insecticides, residents complain about the ineffectiveness of the measures carried out.
The FBRK editorial team will continue to monitor the situation in other regions of Kazakhstan, in order to identify best practices and contribute to the formation of unified standards for safe urban disinsection.
To be continued...