In the Democratic Republic of Congo, a chemical commonly used to eliminate pests in households is posing serious health risks to its users. Lava, a product designed for agricultural pest control, is being used by households in Lubumbashi to eliminate cockroaches and other insects. Many residents, like Yasmine Musoko, believe it is an effective product, using it regularly to clean their homes.
However, the domestic use of Lava has led to serious health concerns. According to Salva Amisi, she uses Lava in the evening to eliminate mosquitoes, but her family stays outside while the chemical is being sprayed inside the house. The chemical, which contains a toxic substance called dichlorvos, has already been banned in Europe and Canada due to its hazardous nature.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has recorded over 22 serious cases of poisoning from Lava, with symptoms including dizziness, headache, and nausea. Dr. Paul Musa, a researcher who conducted a study on the dangers of Lava, explains that severe poisoning can cause breathing difficulties, coma, and death in extreme cases. Between December 7, 2025, and February 25, 2026, 22 cases of poisoning occurred after indoor spraying operations, including 14 hospitalizations.
Lava is marketed in the Democratic Republic of Congo despite being classified as a highly hazardous product by the World Health Organization (WHO). Dichlorvos, the toxic substance in Lava, is a synthetic organic chemical used as an insecticide. It is manufactured industrially and sold under many trade names, including 'Lava,' 'Vapona,' 'Atgard,' 'Nuvan,' and 'Task.'
The use of Lava in domestic settings is a cause for concern, as it is not designed for indoor use. According to Dr. Musa, the chemical can cause severe health problems, including respiratory issues and even death. The WHO has classified Lava as a highly hazardous product, highlighting the need for its regulation and control.
The chemical composition of dichlorvos is a dense colorless liquid that evaporates easily into the air and dissolves slightly in water. It has a sweetish smell and readily reacts with water. The dichlorvos used in pest control is diluted with other liquids and used as a spray or incorporated into plastic that slowly releases the chemical.
The domestic use of Lava poses significant health risks to residents in DR Congo, and its regulation is crucial to preventing further poisoning cases. The government and health organizations must take action to control the use of this hazardous chemical and provide alternative solutions for pest control.
Key points
- DR Congo records 22 serious cases of poisoning from Lava, a chemical designed for agricultural pest control, now used domestically.
- Lava contains a toxic substance called dichlorvos, which has been banned in Europe and Canada.
- The WHO has classified Lava as a highly hazardous product, highlighting the need for its regulation and control.
