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EPA fines two home and garden stores for selling cancelled insecticides

Release Date: 09/12/2007
Contact Information: Marc Mowrey, (415) 972.3324 mowrey.marc@epa.gov

SAN FRANCISCO - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today fined a Fallon, Nev. garden supply company $2,000 for allegedly offering for sale five cancelled insecticides, in violation of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act.

Nevada Department of Agriculture inspectors found cancelled chlorpyrifos- and diazinon-containing pesticides on the shelves at two HFI Enterprises stores in Nevada in August 2006. At its Lovelock store, HFI Enterprises offered for sale the chlorpyrifos-containing products Cooke Dursban-Plus Lawn Insecticide, Dexol Dursban Lawn Insect Killer, and Green Light Borer II, and the diazinon-containing pesticide Diazinon Ultra Insect Spray. At its Fallon store, the company offered for sale the chlorpyrifos-containing product Spectracide Lawn & Garden Insect Control.

The EPA prohibited retail sale of most residential-use pesticides containing the active ingredient chlorpyrifos after Dec. 31, 2001 and for diazinon after Dec. 31, 2004 because children might be harmed by exposure to the chemical.

“These pesticides were cancelled due to their potential to harm children," said Katherine Taylor, associate director of the Community and Ecosystems Division for the EPA’s Pacific Southwest region. “The EPA issued a cancellation notice that indicated when retail sales had to stop. Retailers must keep themselves informed and promptly remove cancelled pesticides from their shelves.”

Consumers may still legally use remaining stocks of chlorpyrifos and diazinon products, provided that they follow all label directions and precautions. Use of these products according to label directions does not pose an immediate hazard. However, consumers should know that the EPA cancelled these pesticides to protect children and the environment.

Consumers who choose to use these products or any pesticide should always read and follow label precautions and directions. Consumers may contact their local solid waste agency for disposal information.

To check the registration status of a pesticide registration number, please visit: http://ppis.ceris.purdue.edu or http://www.pesticideinfo.org. For information on pesticide regulation and enforcement, please visit: http://epa.gov/pesticides.