Medical experts explained that dichlorvos is an organophosphate pesticide intended for agricultural and industrial use, not human application. It can be absorbed through the skin and disrupt the nervous system, leading to uncontrolled nerve activity, organ failure and, in severe cases, sudden death.
They noted that symptoms can appear quickly and may include nausea, breathing difficulties, seizures, loss of consciousness, and death. Doctors also emphasised that there is no scientific evidence supporting the use of Sniper for dandruff or lice, describing such claims as dangerous misinformation.
Dandruff, they said, is a fungal or inflammatory scalp condition that requires proper medical treatment, not toxic chemicals designed for pest control.
Experts also warned that children and people with underlying conditions such as asthma are especially vulnerable, and repeated exposure can lead to long-term nerve damage, organ failure and even cancer.
The warning comes after a recent post on X (formerly Twitter) by user Serah Ibrahim, who cautioned Nigerians against using Sniper on hair. A public health physician, Dr. Babatunde Adewumi, responded by recounting a tragic case in which a man applied Sniper on his children’s bodies to repel ants, leading to the death of three children from poisoning.
The tweet stated that the man’s first child was initially suspected of viral haemorrhagic fever, but it later emerged that the child had been exposed to Sniper. The physician said the man lost three children due to poisoning after applying the insecticide on their bodies.
Regulatory Warnings Ignored
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) had already warned in 2019 against misuse of Sniper and other dichlorvos products, urging the public to stop using them as household insecticides due to public health hazards. In 2025, after a PUNCH Healthwise report, the agency again cautioned traders against using these products to protect food from spoilage.
Despite these warnings, the use of pesticides for unapproved purposes remains common in Nigeria.
Experts Highlight Severe Risks
Dr. Adewumi, founder of Quinta Health, described using Sniper on hair or skin as “extremely dangerous” and potentially fatal. He explained that dichlorvos works by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme essential for nerve function. This causes nerves to fire continuously, leading to respiratory failure and organ shutdown.
He added that the chemical strips the scalp of natural oils, causing severe dryness, skin damage and possible permanent scarring, while offering no cure for dandruff.
According to Adewumi, acute poisoning symptoms may include:
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea
- Sweating and blurred vision
- Excessive tearing and scalp irritation
- Muscle twitching, tremors and seizures
- Coma and respiratory failure
He warned that long-term exposure may lead to cancer, liver damage, nerve injury and reproductive disorders.
Misleading Advice and Cultural Practices
Dr. Ebenezer Popoola, an internal medicine physician, warned that early symptoms are often mild and may not be linked to Sniper exposure. He said many people use the insecticide out of ignorance, following advice from peers or social media influencers rather than medical professionals.
Popoola explained that the chemical can appear to “work” because it kills cells around the application area, giving the false impression that the scalp condition is improving.
He said the practice is driven by misinformation, cultural habits, and poor access to proper healthcare. Even where medical care is available, many people still rely on unverified home remedies.
Call for Immediate Action
Both physicians urged anyone using Sniper on their hair or skin to stop immediately and seek medical attention if exposed. They advised individuals experiencing symptoms to visit a hospital for evaluation, as specialists can assess organ damage and provide appropriate treatment or lifestyle changes to prevent further complications.
Popoola urged affected individuals to educate their communities to prevent others from falling victim to harmful advice.