Environmentalists push for Suffolk to halt use of mosquito control chemical

There are new calls for Suffolk County to stop using a controversial chemical that is sprayed in nice weather to control the mosquito population.
Kevin McAllister, of Defend H20, is concerned over Suffolk's plans to continue aerial spraying of methoprene to control mosquitoes. He points to studies that say the chemical can hurt some marine life and beneficial insects.
But Suffolk's vector control chief tells News 12 in a statement: "The county's methoprene usage undergoes a rigorous environmental review and the county continually reviews documentation and scientific literature to keep current on any potential health and environmental effects."
States like Connecticut and Rode Island have tight restrictions on the use of methoprene. Some New York lawmakers are trying to get similar restrictions passed in the state.
"I am hopeful, with the backing of constituents and the environmental organizations, that we will obtain passage this session," Sen. Ken LaValle said in a statement.
Suffolk says the methoprene it uses is approved by the state and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.