In the Karaganda Region, chemical preparations “Karate Zeon”, “Favorit V.K.E.” and “Cypermethrin” are used during disinsection measures, causing justified concern regarding their impact on the health of residents and the ecology of the region. The editorial board of the FBRK analyses which preparations are used for disinsection of urban plantings across Kazakhstan in 2025.
For the third year running, the editorial board of the FBRK has been investigating which preparations are used for treatment against insects in various regions of the country. During our monitoring, certain trends are emerging: many regions continue to use chemical substances with potential risks to public health and the environment, although safer alternatives exist.
KARAGANDA REGION: SPECTRUM OF CHEMICAL PREPARATIONS
According to official information from the akimat of the Karaganda Region, disinsection measures against mosquitoes and midges have begun in the region. The treatment covers parks, squares, abandoned water bodies and other potential breeding grounds for insects. Three preparations are used for these purposes: “Karate Zeon”, “Favorit V.K.E.” and “Cypermethrin”.
It is worth noting that the authorities prefer chemical methods of insect control, although in other regions steps are already being taken towards the use of biological preparations.
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE INSECTICIDES USED
Analysis of the preparations used in the Karaganda Region indicates the presence of certain risks to human health and the environment.
“Karate Zeon”, whose active substance is lambda-cyhalothrin, is classified as a highly hazardous substance. This insecticide can irritate mucous membranes, have a negative effect on the human cardiovascular system and, in some cases, lead to pulmonary oedema. Upon contact with the body, symptoms such as headache, ataxia and tremor are possible.
“Favorit V.K.E.” contains a combination of pyrethroids (cypermethrin, tetramethrin) and piperonyl butoxide. The preparation is considered a moderately hazardous substance, but possible symptoms of intoxication include dizziness, nausea, irritation of the mucous membranes and allergic reactions, such as contact dermatitis and lacrimation.
“Cypermethrin” – a highly toxic insecticide which, according to research, can have a toxic effect on the male reproductive system, contribute to an increase in bone marrow micronuclei and affect mental state. Upon entering the body, headaches, dizziness, impaired coordination of movements and other symptoms of damage to the nervous system may be observed.
Let us recall that we previously wrote about the negative impact of cypermethrin in the article about disinsection in the Kostanay Region, where this preparation is used for treatment in children's health camps.
THE SITUATION LAST YEAR
According to our research, in 2024, various preparations were used in different cities and districts of the Karaganda Region.
For example, in Priozersk they used “Karate Zeon”, in Shakhtinsk and Saran – “Dimigran” and “Agran”, containing chlorpyrifos and cypermethrin. In the Osakarov and Nura districts, “Agran” and “Averfos” were also used.
It should be noted that not all akimats provided complete information on the preparations used, which makes a full analysis of the situation in the region difficult.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS AND LONG-TERM PROSPECTS
In addition to potential risks to human health, the insecticides used may have an impact on the region's ecosystem. All three preparations are highly toxic to fish, bees and aquatic organisms. Of particular concern is their impact on pollinating insects, which play an important role in the functioning of natural systems and agriculture.
Lambda-cyhalothrin, contained in “Karate Zeon”, can be lethal for bumblebees, bees and other pollinating insects, and can cause changes in the aquatic environment. Tetramethrin, a component of “Favorit V.K.E.”, is also toxic to aquatic organisms.
A significant factor is also that the preparations have a long residual effect: from 3-4 weeks (“Favorit V.K.E.”) to 2 months in the soil (“Karate Zeon”). This means that after treatment, the active substances remain in the environment, continuing to impact biological diversity.
BALANCE OF EFFECTIVENESS AND SAFETY
Given the characteristics of the preparations used, there are grounds to recommend that the authorities of the Karaganda Region consider the possibility of a gradual transition to safer disinsection methods. There are biological preparations which, if used correctly, can effectively control insect populations while posing a lower potential burden on the environment.
An important direction could also be improving public information about the treatments being carried out, their timing and recommended precautionary measures. Although the akimat's response indicates that information is provided through social networks and messengers, according to our observations, many residents do not have a sufficient understanding of the properties and possible impact of the preparations used.
In a comment to our editorial team, the akimat of the Karaganda Region emphasised:
“All products used are officially listed in the state register, and their use is strictly regulated. According to current legislation, only licensed organisations with trained personnel are entitled to carry out disinsection. Treatment is carried out exclusively in permissible concentrations, which eliminates harm to human health.”
Carrying out disinsection is a necessary measure for controlling insect numbers, especially during the summer period. However, the choice of preparations requires a balanced approach, considering not only their effectiveness but also modern trends in environmental safety.
In the Karaganda Region, there are opportunities for further improvement of the disinsection system through the gradual introduction of innovative methods, strengthening information work with the public and regular monitoring of the effectiveness of the products used.
The editorial board of the FBRK recommends that regional authorities consider the possibility of a wider application of biological preparations or chemical products of a low hazard class, as is already being done in some other regions of the country. Conducting a comparative analysis of the products used to achieve an optimal balance between their effectiveness and environmental impact could also be a useful step.
We will continue to monitor the situation with disinsection in the regions of Kazakhstan and will inform the public about the methods and preparations used, thereby contributing to the formation of a responsible approach to solving this important task.
To be continued...