Lice: Beyond Inconvenience Head Lice Infestation in Kids a Recurring Problem. Head Lice is #1 parasite of Children in Contra Costa County. Lice knows no socio-economic levels. Common Outbreaks in cold months when kids are indoors in close contact. Children cannot return to school until all nits and lice not seen. A child can be seriously ostracized. School time missed. Schools lose funds from absenteeism. Parents lose work time. Most Parents use toxic pesticides

Pyrethrins & Permethrins: Common Toxic Lice Control Rid Lice Kit w/ Active Ingredients:.33% Pyrethrins,.4% Piperonyl butoxide, 5% Permethrin. Low Acute (immediate) Toxicity but can be severe for infants: Irritation of skin, eyes, blurred vision; Asthma, runny nose, coughing,, vomiting and diarrhea. Maybe be skin sensitizer, may cause allergic reactions. Possible and Likely Human Carcinogens (US EPA) Hormone Disruptors (EU, Colborn and other lists) Highly toxic to honey bees, fish and aquatic organisms.

Permethrin, a synthetic & potent Pesticide Acute Toxicity: Moderate for humans: asthma; pain & burning sensation of skin and eyes. Extremely Toxic to Bees Toxic to Fish Half life: 1 month on soil Chronic Toxicity: Likely Human Carcinogen (US EPA) Hormone Disruptor (EU, Colborn) Immune System Suppression after 0.1 ppm feed, for 3-6 weeks. May persist in fatty tissues, w/ half-lives 4-5 days in brain & body fat. Permethrin, 1% active ingredient causing resistant lice strains in the U.S.

Head Lice Control Non-Pesticide Alternative Lice B Gone works in 1 hour w/ application and combing, damaging all lice and eggs. Fermented sugarcane create 4 enzymes that dissolve glue attaching nits and damages softer membranes between the chitin. Remove maimed lice/eggs using a fine comb since school will not discern dead or live lice/eggs. 1/3 – 1/2 the price of over the counter pesticide products. Enzyme based - Effective

Damaged Egg from Lice-B-Gone Enzymes 2 Clinical Trials Showed 100% Efficacy. Treated “shower cap” is conveniently massaged into wet hair and scalp to avoid smell. One Time Treatment & Combing CC County Head Start Program has been happy with efficacy. Also effective on dogs for flea control but not recommended for small mammals like hamsters. Not all ingredients listed on label so lack of 100% assurance on long- term safety.

The Safest Lice Abatement National Pediculosis Assoc. recommends: Manual Combing & Removal of live lice & nits. Daily Inspection LiceMeister® Comb- $10

Understanding the Lice & Nit Provides Sensible Solutions Human Lice can only survive by drinking human blood several times within 24 hrs. Head lice can only crawl and cannot fly nor jump. Claws grasp onto hair shaft. Eggs or nits cannot be “caught” and must be laid on host by lice days for an egg to hatch once laid. Nymphs from hatched eggs will not survive without blood meal within 24 hrs. Lice cannot reproduce on dogs & cats. Vaseline does not work & messy to remove. Mixed reviews on Mayonnaise. Tea tree oil is a hormone disruptor and should not be used by pregnant women in particular.

Keeping Lice from Coming Back Focus on Nit Removal on scalps. Stuffed animals and pillows should be bagged and stored for 24 hours. Wash contacted clothing & bedding only in hot water or 30 mins in hot dryer. Treat all family members at once to avoid re-infestation of lice. Avoid sharing clothing, hair implements/hats/headphones. Sensible coats/hats storage to prevent infestations at school. Assure hair salon sanitizes & rinses implements prior to use. Vacuum upholstery, carpet and mattresses, if contact is expected within 24 hours. No Need to Spray Pesticides in home or schools!