Resident urges Burton to stop blanket mosquito spraying, cites health study and personal allergic reactions

During audience participation at the Burton City Council meeting, resident Melinda Ben of 6177 East Bristol Road urged the city to stop blanket mosquito spraying, saying she is allergic to petrochemical-based products and that the spraying makes her ill.

Ben said she received a mailed notice about the spraying too late to feel informed and described having paid more than $300 for specialist visits and medication related to sensitivities. She said she had researched the topic and brought a study she said appeared in the Journal of American Medicine that links pesticide exposure near golf courses with higher likelihood of Parkinson’s disease; she told council she was concerned the spray product contains petrochemical derivatives mixed with mineral oil and would cause health problems for people with chemical sensitivities.

Ben said she had already opted out of spraying for her property and that a staff member named Benjamin had been helpful when she contacted him, but she stressed concern for others and said she had warned spray crews she would consider legal action if her property were sprayed. The council did not vote or take formal action on the matter during the meeting; Ben’s remarks were entered during the public-comment portion of the agenda.

Separately, resident Patrick Dargo urged the city to develop a cell-phone notification system for meetings and events and asked whether Chief Ross had a procedure to request public assistance via doorbell cameras after neighborhood vehicle thefts; his request was noted by council.