In the Abai region, they continue to use chemical insecticides of a high hazard class for the disinsection of green spaces. Despite the allocation of 90 million tenge for mosquito control in Semey, residents complain about the ineffectiveness of the measures being carried out. The editorial board of the FBRK is investigating which preparations are used for disinsection in the regions of Kazakhstan in 2025.
For the third year running, the editorial board of the FBRK has been analysing which preparations are used to poison insects in various regions of Kazakhstan. During our investigation, alarming patterns have been revealed: local authorities continue to use dangerous chemical substances, ignoring the potential risks to public health and the environment.
A TOXIC COCKTAIL IN CITY PARKS
In response to official requests from our editorial team, the housing and communal services (HCS) departments of the cities of Semey and Kurchatov in the Abai region provided information on the preparations used for disinsection in 2025. In Semey, the contracting organisation — the private medical institution (PMI) "Aktobe Regional Association 'Disinfection'" — uses two main preparations: "Toro" and "Shtil". In Kurchatov, "Cypermethrin", produced by the Russian company LLC "Densnab-Trade", was used for treating green spaces.
The preparation "Toro" contains lambda-cyhalothrin — a substance of hazard class two, which irritates the mucous membranes, negatively affects the human cardiovascular system and can lead to pulmonary oedema. This pyrethroid insecticide is extremely toxic to aquatic organisms and is lethal to bees and other pollinating insects.
"Cypermethrin", the negative effects of which we have already written about in detail in the article on disinsection in the Kostanay Region, also belongs to the highly hazardous substances of class two. This insecticide can have a toxic effect on the nervous system, disrupt hormonal balance and persists on treated surfaces for up to 20-30 days.
Another preparation — "Shtil" — is a combination of three active ingredients: alpha-cypermethrin, d-allethrin and piperonyl butoxide. Although formally the preparation is classified as hazard class three, the combination of these components creates serious risks for human health, especially for children.
Thus, in the Abai region, a trio of highly toxic preparations is used: "Toro", "Shtil" and "Cypermethrin". All of them belong to the group of pyrethroid insecticides and can pose a serious threat to public health. D-allethrin can cause tremors, headache and irritation of the skin and mucous membranes. Piperonyl butoxide enhances the toxicity of other insecticides and, in high concentrations, can trigger headache, nausea and weakness.
THE PARADOX OF INEFFECTIVENESS
Particular concern is raised by the fact that, despite the use of highly toxic preparations and the allocation of significant budget funds, the effectiveness of disinsection measures remains questionable. According to the publication Ratel.kz, residents of Semey are massively complaining about the large number of mosquitoes, especially in remote neighbourhoods. Meanwhile, around 90 million tenge was allocated for the fight against blood-sucking insects.
A logical question arises: if such aggressive chemical agents do not achieve the desired result, is it worth subjecting the population and the environment to unjustified risks?
THE 'ON-ONESELF' ASSESSMENT METHOD: ABSURD OR NORM?
The particular cynicism of the situation lies in the methods of monitoring the effectiveness of disinsection. According to information from the akimat of the city of Semey, the effectiveness of measures is assessed using the counting method 'on oneself'. As reported by the HCS department to the publication Arnapress.kz, disinsection is carried out when 20 or more mosquitoes or five or more midges are detected over 20 minutes of such 'human' counting.
"The effectiveness of counting winged forms of biting midges is assessed in the open during the peak of daily activity: in the evening — one hour before sunset, during sunset and one hour after sunset," the HCS department reported.
This creates a paradoxical situation: to check the effectiveness of highly toxic preparations, potentially hazardous to human health, the inspectors must expose themselves to insect bites. Such an approach not only calls into question the professionalism of the organisation of the measures, but also demonstrates a complete disregard for the safety of even their own employees.
A SAD CONTINUITY OF DANGEROUS DECISIONS
It is worth noting that the problem of using highly toxic preparations in the Abai region is not new. In 2023, the FBRK editorial team already investigated the disinsection situation in the region. At that time, to combat mosquitoes, midges and other pests, no less potentially dangerous preparations were used: "Chlorpyrifos", "Cypermethrin" and "Titan" (containing thiamethoxam and lambda-cyhalothrin).
Chlorpyrifos increases the risk of children being born with autism, and damages the nervous and cardiovascular systems. Thiamethoxam damages the liver and kidneys, causing acute poisoning with vomiting and diarrhoea. In Satpayev, the use of the preparation "Aktara" with the same toxic thiamethoxam was additionally planned.
Comparing the situation in 2023 and 2025, it can be stated that the regional authorities have not learned the lessons from past critical comments and continue to rely on aggressive chemicals instead of seeking safer alternatives.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND MEDICAL RISKS
The use of the preparations "Toro", "Shtil" and "Cypermethrin" in the urban environment creates multiple threats. Lambda-cyhalothrin persists on treated surfaces for up to 2-3 weeks, and in soil — for up to 30-60 days. Cypermethrin persists on treated surfaces for up to 20-30 days, and in soil — for up to 10 weeks. This means that city residents, including children, may be exposed to toxic substances for a long time after disinsection is carried out.
The preparation "Shtil" acts on surfaces for up to 4-6 weeks, which can also pose a serious threat to the health of city dwellers. Of particular concern is the high toxicity of all three preparations to bees and aquatic organisms — this could cause irreparable damage to the local ecosystem.
CHILDREN AT RISK
The use of such toxic preparations in city parks and squares where families with children walk raises questions. Children's bodies are particularly vulnerable to the effects of pyrethroids due to their undeveloped detoxification system. Children may experience neurological symptoms, allergic reactions and other negative effects even at low concentrations of the substances.
Let us remind you that we have previously written about the negative impact of cypermethrin on children's bodies in the article on disinsection in the Kostanay Region, where this preparation is used for treating children's health camps.
ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS EXIST
It is important to note that safer approaches to insect control exist. In other regions of Kazakhstan, biological preparations and chemical agents of low hazard class are successfully used.
For example, in Almaty, they use biological products "Aktarofit", "Ak kobekek", "Green Gold" and the less toxic "Diuron" with the active ingredient diflubenzuron.
Based on official responses, biological preparations are not used for disinsection in Semey and Kurchatov, indicating a conservative approach by local authorities to solving the problem.
CONCLUSION: EFFECTIVENESS IN QUESTION, RISKS OBVIOUS
The use of highly toxic preparations in the Abai region demonstrates an unjustifiably aggressive approach to the disinsection of urban areas. Of particular concern is the fact that, despite the use of such dangerous substances and significant budget expenditure, the effectiveness of the measures remains doubtful.
The regional authorities should probably reconsider their insect control strategy, giving preference to safer and environmentally friendly methods. An important step would be the introduction of an integrated approach, including biological preparations and modern technologies that have proven their effectiveness in other regions.
The FBRK editorial team will continue to monitor the disinsection situation in the regions of Kazakhstan and urges akimats to take a more responsible approach to the choice of preparations, taking into account not only their effectiveness but also their safety for people and the environment.
To be continued...