Spring is here and in addition to that bringing more pest activity to be aware of, it also means Maryland’s 2024 legislative session closed in April. It did so without passing an important bill that we championed meant to reduce PFAS in the environment. PFAS is the active ingredient in a number of pesticides approved for use in Maryland, and this bill intends to no longer allow these dangerous chemicals to be used in Maryland. |
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We will be working on further educating legislators and constituents about the issue until the 2025 session when we intend to work towards passing it next year. Reach out to us if you want to learn more about how to support the bill.
As always, see our Joe’s Tips section to continue to implement best practices during the Spring season to safely address pest problems while keeping your staff, patients, and visitors safe from pesticides.
Remember, at the first sign of a pest problem, go to our many fact sheets, sample policies, guidance, articles, and video library to learn the non-toxic options you can use to stop infestation while protecting patient and staff health. The Project's IPM Toolkit is available online. Contact Sean at sean@mdpestnet.org or call 301-664-4374 for additional support.
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– Sean Lynch
IPM in Health Care Facilities Project Director
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Preserving Health: The Urgency of PFAS-Free Pest Management |
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Did you know that some pesticides used in healthcare facilities contain PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,”, posing a severe threat to human health and the environment? PFAS are notorious for their persistence in our bodies and can be commonly used in healthcare facilities, adding to the vulnerability of patients. Just one exposure can wreak havoc last in our bodies for over a decade or more.
Unseen Consequences:
The impact of PFAS exposure is alarming, with documented links to birth defects, developmental damage to infants, various cancers, impaired immune function, and more. Even low exposure levels have serious long-term health implications, affecting vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly.
The "PFAS in Pesticides Reduction Act" (House Bill 1190) that was in the news and educated our state legislators about the issue this year, aimed to ban all such pesticides containing PFAS as an active ingredient from being sold in Maryland. This legislation is not just a legal framework; it's a commitment to the health and well-being of our communities. Legislators had more bills this year than in previous years and had to delay addressing about a third of them until the 2025 session. The bill was well-received and we expect it will pass in 2025.
Defending Your Patients:
Certain pesticides, such as Fipronil+C and Bifenthrin+C, commonly used in and promoted to healthcare facilities, have PFAS as the product’s active ingredient. These pesticides, advertised to both vendors and facilities, may pose a threat to the health and safety of patients, staff, and the environment.
Thankfully, even prior to a potential 2025 law. facilities can ensure their vendors are not using these persistent chemicals that simply do not break down and are shown to impact generations to come If you would like more information on the product list of such registered pesticides in Maryland, please contact us.
Check out the local media coverage about this bill for more background information:
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Maryland Ban Still In Place! |
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A Chlorpyrifos ban update
Last November, the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals put a hold on the EPA’s 2021 rule that effectively banned the use and presence of chlorpyrifos on the foods we eat. This temporary federal ban was challenged by a chlorpyrifos registrant and several grower groups in the Eighth Circuit. Despite the EPA’s 20+ years of research based on EPA’s conclusion that chlorpyrifos was unsafe at any detectable level for children and the developing fetus, the Court questioned the EPA's complete ban and suggested considerations for modifying tolerances on specific food and feed crop uses.
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Maryland is one of several states that have instituted state bans for any use which are not impacted by the federal ban.
Verify Your Vendors:
Health care facilities need to ensure their pest control vendors are not using this dangerous pesticide: either not knowing it's banned in Maryland for all uses or now believing it is no longer banned. Inquire about the pesticides they use and explicitly check that chlorpyrifos is not in their inventory to ensure you are in compliance.
Prioritize IPM:
Encourage the adoption of prioritized IPM within your facility. By prioritizing Integrated Pest Management strategies, we not only move away from harmful pesticides like chlorpyrifos but also only use pesticides as a last resort.
Stay Informed:
Stay informed about the evolving landscape of pesticide regulations, and be prepared to adapt your pest management strategies accordingly.
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Don't just take our word for it: Watch Frank Meek, technical services manager for Rollins, and a board-certified entomologist with 35-plus years of experience, as he delves into the transformative power of implementing a defined, prioritized, IPM program within healthcare facilities. Embracing IPM isn't just a cost-effective strategy; it's a game-changer. Lower costs, fewer pests, and enhanced infection control are just a few of the benefits awaiting those who prioritize IPM.
Watch the video now!
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Joe Griffin had a 16-year tenure at Sheppard Pratt and a total of 35+ years of Senior Level Facility Support Operations experience. Joe is a consultant to the IPM in Health Care Facilities Project. |
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EVS Directors have their hands full, so we tend to rely on our contracted pest and land care vendors. That's why it's critical to remember:
Your vendors work for YOU and under YOUR guidelines to provide a safe facility environment, without adverse harm from pesticides.
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Choosing safe and effective pest management strategies and safer disinfectants for a healthcare facility demands careful consideration. It's hard to imagine a more sensitive issue for hospitals, especially since the thousands of hospitals in the US see about 32 million inpatients, 83 million outpatients, and over a hundred million emergency room patients each year. |
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Help keep your facilities clean, safe, and pest-free with these reminders:
- Remove any standing water sources both indoors and outdoors, as they can attract pests like mosquitoes and rodents. Ensure proper drainage and fix any leaks promptly.
- Keep vegetation trimmed at least 6 inches away from the exterior of your building to reduce harborage areas for pests. Prune trees and shrubs regularly to prevent them from touching the structure.
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What's in Your Disinfectant? |
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Check your disinfectants for risk level
Some regularly used disinfectants in facilities are actually registered pesticides that can deplete a patient’s immune system and harm respiratory function – both of concern during our ongoing pandemic. Use the SaferDisinfectant.org website to see if what your facility uses is an “increased risk” or “safer” product.
Go to the SaferDisinfectants.org website's The List page and search your products by name, using your browser search keys, "Command + F" on Macs and "Control + F" on PCs. Type in the name to see if it has an increased risk or is a safer choice. View the Safer Choice list and sort by use site and need for better product choices.
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The IPM in Health Care Facilities Project promotes safer pest and weed management best practices that are effective and protect the public and environment. Exposure to harmful pesticides can cause or exacerbate the very issues for which patients/residents are being treated. Especially during the challenging pandemic, we kept you updated on important news and research related to COVID-19 issues — from least toxic disinfectants to pesticides that do/do not exacerbate coronavirus symptoms. We support your efforts to ensure a protected and toxic-free environment for your facility and those you serve —
and ALL our IPM in Health Care Facilities Project services are FREE.
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For information and help,
contact us!
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call 301-664-4374
Our services are always free.
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