Can use of household bug spray cause CNS symptoms similar to those produced by anxiety?

Question

I've noticed on a number of occasions where I've had to use bug spray (Home and Garden type) I've had feelings of (similar to?) anxiety: increased heart, restlessness, difficultly sleeping.

I'm wondering if the cause is the exposure to the chemicals not my actual anxiety disorder.

I'm seeking answers from either healthcare professionals, terminators who use the chemicals, chemists, or those who've had similar problems.

Active ingredient chemicals include:

d-cis trans allethrin 0.239%

3-phenoxybenzyl d-cis and trans 2,2 dimethyl-3-(2-methylpropenyl) cyclopropanecarboxylate .096%

Answer 1

Yes, the use of a lot of bug spray could produce those symptoms when used in an area that isn't well ventilated.

Chemical insect repellents (like household bug spray) often contain substances that work on the nervous system (both the CNS and the PNS).  More than likely the active ingredient is a neurotoxin targeting certain neurotransmitter (my guess is either the acytelcholine or norepinephrine) receptor, which will, through a lot of chemical reactions and physiological events, cause eventual paralysis and death in the bug.

The acytelcholine and norepinephrine receptors are two influential players in the body on regulating heartbeat, breathing and short term blood pressure.  

Usually these chemicals are diluted and/or possibly species specific enough, so that the bug will get the effect, and not humans. It is common, however, for most sprays to advise the consumer to either cover or remove food, pets and plants in the area that the spraying will occur, for reasons mentioned previously.

Also, something that you might want to keep in mind, those individuals that are prone to have breathing issues (asthma or COPD) or chemical instability (such as with anxiety disorders) are more prone to "feel" effects from the use of arosols and aromatic chemicals. This may be your case, as your body might basically be more susceptible to small changes/influences resulting from exposure to the bug spray.    

Also, If you are using these types of sprays without good ventilation (open windows, fans etc.) and you are giving yourself enough exposure to have the symptoms you are experiencing, I would recommend either switching the type of spray, having better ventilation, or having someone else spray. Bug bombs are highly effective, and they allow you to leave the home while it works, although you need to follow the instructions to a T. Neurotoxins on any level are not something to take lightly, so please be careful!

Good luck and keep healthy! You don't want to end up like the bugs!

Answer 2

check of you're allergic to any of these