EPA ORDERS 'STOP SALE' OF UNREGISTERED PESTICIDE
PRODUCT PURPORTING TO CONTROL TOXIC MOLD

by John Millett [EPA] 202-564-7842 / millett.john@epa.gov

On July 9, 2003, the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency ordered ParPac Inc. of Swanzey, N.H. to stop selling its unregistered pesticide "Dry Pac Wall SystemTM," which the company claims controls fungus and toxic molds such as Stachybotrys, also known as Black Mold. The stop sale order further requires Par Pac Inc. to remove all pesticide claims from their advertising and labeling and to notify EPA of the steps they have taken to do so within 30 days.

EPA will be monitoring compliance with this stop sale order and will continue to monitor the Internet for illegal pesticide sales. "Dry Pac Wall SystemTM" is a cellulose insulation product used in building construction. Under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act products claiming to prevent, destroy, or repel pests, including molds and fungus, are considered pesticides and must be registered. During EPA's comprehensive pre-market registration process, a company must first prove that the product is safe and effective for consumer use before a legal claim can be made that a product protects people from disease-causing microorganisms.

The label of all EPA registered products must bear the EPA registration number, along with directions for use and any safety precautions.

According to the Center for Disease Control Web site, Stachybotrys is a greenish black mold, that in the presence of moisture, can grow on material with a high cellulose and low nitrogen content, such as fiberboard, gypsum board, paper, dust and lint. The common health concerns from all molds include fever-like allergic symptoms. Certain individuals with chronic respiratory disease may experience difficulty breathing, and individuals with immune suppression may be at increased risk for infection from molds. For more information go to: http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/airpollution/mold/stachy.htm.

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