INDUSTRY ALERT
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

Industry Talking Points

EPA Statement on Methyl Bromide Investigation

Overview and Speaking Points 

Prepared for the National Pest Management Association

by the Professional Pest Management Alliance

April 13, 2015

 

BACKGROUND

 

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a Pesticide Safety Alert late Friday, April 10th, voicing concern that the recent incident involving methyl bromide exposure in the U.S. Virgin Islands (U.S.V.I.) is not isolated and that the misuse of methyl bromide may be more widespread.  As a result, the EPA is urging state, tribal and territorial pesticide regulatory agencies in the U.S. to conduct their own investigations.

 

The cause of the EPA's initial investigation was an incident that took place in March 2015 when 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.). According to media reports, the family may have been exposed to methyl bromide used to fumigate a residential unit below the one in which they were staying.  

 

NPMA STATEMENT

 

The professional pest management industry is deeply committed to the protection of public health and property from the dangers of pest infestations and the products used to prevent and address these infestations are critical tools in our industry's mission. All pest products used by the industry are reviewed and registered by the EPA and applicators employed by our member companies are trained to comply with EPA and state pesticide regulations.

 

In the United States, no other chemical used by our industry carries with it the same level of regulations and restrictions as methyl bromide, whose production, distribution and use patterns are carefully scrutinized by the EPA. Methyl bromide is an essential product in the protection of food products and is commonly used on a variety of fruits, including plums and grapes and products such as dried cured pork, walnuts, pet food and rice. However, methyl bromide should never be used in residential structures and therefore any reports of its misuse should be vigorously investigated.

 

The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) is deeply concerned about reports of misapplication of methyl bromide - or any product used by the professional pest management industry. Any such report should be investigated and responsible parties held accountable. Professional pest control companies are urged to cooperate with EPA and state pesticide regulatory agencies throughout this process.

 

TALKING POINTS

  • All products used for the treatment of structural pest infestations - for which NPMA members are responsible - are studied, reviewed and registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to be used by trained and regulated pest management applicators.
  • The structural pest management industry works closely with the EPA to ensure that all products used in pest management practices are consistently evaluated, reviewed, and contain 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 containers, 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 negative impacts on human health and damage to structures.
  • 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.