The proactive wildfire spray industry is growing exponentially across the Western U.S. — and not every company arriving with a hose has the same chemistry in the tank. Before you hire anyone, ask these questions:
- Can I see your SDS? Get it in writing.
- What’s behind any “trade secret” line? Hidden chemicals are exactly that — hidden.
- Are you EPA Safer Choice certified? “EPA approved” is not the same thing.
Why this matters. Monoammonium phosphate (MAP), a common ingredient in conventional retardants, can drift through window screens during application. Public health information indicates that inhalation or ingestion at high concentrations can cause respiratory distress, dizziness, and headache.
Two groups face elevated risk from this kind of exposure:
- Immunocompromised individuals. Suppressed immunity makes a person more vulnerable to environmental exposures. Chemical drift can trigger respiratory issues and aggravate pre-existing conditions.
- Pregnant individuals. The fetus is especially vulnerable to toxic substances. Studies indicate that high doses of MAP can cause acute kidney injury or systemic toxicity, with possible adverse pregnancy outcomes.
The CitroTech the Wildfire Pro Shop sells carries an EPA Safer Choice Product certification — the safest option of its kind in the U.S. If a company quoting your job can’t say the same in writing, ask why.
This post discusses health concerns referenced in publicly available information. Always consult your physician about exposure risks specific to your situation.
