NPMA comments on alleged pesticide misuse incident

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April 8, 2015

NPMA logoThe National Pest Management Association (NPMA) has issued the following statement:

According to published reports, in March 2015 a Delaware family was admitted to the hospital after becoming ill while on vacation at a rental property in the U.S. Virgin Islands (U.S.V.I). They were airlifted to the United States mainland for continued treatment. At press time, the mother has been released, and the father and two teenage sons remain in critical condition.

The family may have been exposed to methyl bromide that was allegedly used to fumigate a residential unit below the one in which they were staying. The property manager has indicated that they had recently contracted the services of a pest management company to treat for bugs in that unit.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Department of Justice and U.S.V.I Department of Planning and Natural Resources are investigating. The NPMA was deeply saddened and concerned to learn about this unfortunate incident and continues to hope for a full recovery for the entire family.

Methyl bromide is a broad-spectrum pesticide used in the control of insects, nematodes, weeds, pathogens and rodents. In the U.S., the professional pest management industry uses methyl bromide principally for import and export fumigation treatments and certain commodity uses; the pesticide is no longer labeled for use in residential structures.

Within the professional pest management industry, products used to prevent and address pest infestations – which can negatively affect public health and property – are an important and essential tool. All pest products used by the industry are reviewed and registered by the EPA, and our member companies are committed to following the standards set forth by the EPA. Other facts to keep in mind include:

• All products used for the treatment of structural pest infestations – for which NPMA members are responsible – are studied, reviewed and registered by the EPA to be used by trained and regulated pest management applicators.

• NPMA works closely with the EPA to ensure that all products used in pest management practices are consistently evaluated, reviewed, and provided with accurate and comprehensive labeling for use.

• In the U.S., methyl bromide is used in agriculture, primarily for soil fumigation, as well as for commodity and quarantine treatment. Treatment with methyl bromide gas involves the fumigation, for example, of warehouses and food processing facilities and ships (as well as other transportation vehicles) for insects and rodents.

• It is important to remember that leaving pests unmanaged can lead to real health and structural issues.

• NPMA encourages consumers to consult with a qualified and licensed pest professional to discuss any concerns about pest management and address the proactive and preventative measures that they can take to avoid pest infestations.

• More importantly, by working with a pest professional, consumers can ensure that a pest problem is properly identified and effectively treated.

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  1. Art Manon says:

    At the Pest Vet committee with Will Nepper in attendence ,I made a prediction that by years end The Nationals would be in court facing a Work ethic issue , (took less than 3 weeks)not a knowledge issue. The Nationals , who have cut employee earnings, & withheld earnings have eroded cultural morale that leads to unproductive, poor practices. The Theory of replacing your work force with cheap labor as opposed to Placing an emphasis on work ethic may apease stock holders in the short term, long term the Industry suffers when work ethic is eroded. Terminex may have a get out of jail free card with NPMA , but not with justice.