Residex’s Blog

CONTACT:
Dale Kemery (News Media Only)
kemery.dale@epa.gov
202-564-7839
202-564-4355

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 21, 2011 

EPA Warns Online Shoppers about Illegal, Harmful Pesticide Sales WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today that it has warned more than 2,800 customers across the United States about risks associated with a banned pesticide in an ant-control product they purchased online through fastpestcontrol.com. The product, Fast Ant Bait, contained mirex, a pesticide that was banned in 1978 because it can cause liver, skin, reproductive and nerve damage.

“Illegal pesticides are often much more toxic than approved pesticides,” said Steve Owens, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention.  “When EPA takes a pesticide off the market, it means that pesticide was not safe. Consumers should use only EPA-registered pesticides and always follow the label directions to ensure their safety.”

EPA became aware of the product after the Washington State Department of Health reported that a woman became ill after using it in her home. In response, EPA identified and warned three online companies, 2Checkout.com Inc., CCNow, Inc. and eBay Inc. to cease processing orders for the product that was produced and mailed from China. The three companies cooperated, immediately ceased processing orders and consumers can no longer purchase products from fastpestcontrol.com, the original site that offered the product for sale.  The companies also worked with EPA to provide sales information, which allowed the agency to contact customers directly about the dangers posed by the pesticide and proper disposal methods.

The letter EPA sent to customers who bought the product provides detailed directions on how to safely clean up and dispose of the illegal product and what to do if they believe they were exposed or harmed. For more information on mirex or other pesticides, consumers can call the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry Information Center at 1-888-422-8737 or the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) at 1-800-858-7378.

To view a copy of the letter: http://www.epa.gov/region10/pdf/publications/notice_to_fastpestcontrol_customers_02_09_2011.pdf

Information on using pesticides safely:  http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/health/safely.htm

 Note: If a link above doesn’t work, please copy and paste the URL into a browser.

View all news releases related to pesticides and toxic chemicals.

This information has been supplied by PCT Media Group.

N.J. Man Catches Fire While Trying to Destroy a Beehive

WESTWOOD — A Westwood man was injured when the beehive he was attempting to destroy caught fire and burned him, according to a report on NorthJersey.com.

The 29-year-old man, who police did not identify, was spraying multiple chemicals onto the hive, which police said caused a reaction that led to the flames, according to the report. The man’s neighbor tried to extinguish him, and after a 911 call he was airlifted to St. Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, the report said.

On Saturday, July 24^th, Erin Donaghy completed her first triathlon, earning her the honor of wearing one of Residex’s red singlets.  The triathlon was her second race for Residex, having completed the Achilles Hope and Possibility Five Miler earlier in the summer.  Even though it was a hot and muggy morning on the 24^th, Erin still managed to push through the 1500 meter swim, 11 ½ mile bike, and the 5k run, finishing second in her age group.  Not only this, but she was the sixteenth woman out of 605, completing the triathlon in a time of 1:14:23.  This is only the first triathlon of many though, and Erin looks forwards to training for more, and improving her time all along the way.

Everyone has seen the news regarding the possible severity of this year’s flu season, and in particular, swine influenza (H1N1).   The Center for Disease Control (CDC) is reporting at least 76 deaths among children throughout the U.S. already.

Residex has taken a proactive approach with respect to this and we wanted to share our thoughts and action plans with our valued customers.  We feel that you need to be informed and ready in order to minimize disruption to your business.  Residex has done the following:

• Offered Company-paid flu shots to all employees.  (This is for the regular flu vaccine, as the swine flu vaccine is not readily available to all).
• Sent information to all employees’ homes about flu prevention, symptoms, and hygiene practices for home and work.
• Provided sanitation supplies (hand sanitizer, disinfecting spray, sanitary wipes) to all locations.
• Mandating company-wide procedures/practices to minimize risk. 
• Developed emergency/contingency plans for staffing in case of an outbreak.

According to the CDC, like seasonal flu, symptoms of swine flu can include:

• Fever, which is usually high, but unlike seasonal flu, is sometimes absent.
• Cough
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sore throat
• Body aches; headache
• Chills
• Fatigue or tiredness
• Diarrhea and/or vomiting

Remember, as an employer, you have a responsibility to provide employees with a safe work environment.  You also have the right to require employees to show up for work both fit and ready for work.  Therefore, we are advising employees with flu-like symptoms to stay home.  We are also prepared to send people home as necessary in order to protect our remaining employees.

DON’T LET YOUR BUSINESS SUFFER BY BEING UNPREPARED.

For more information, go to www.flu.gov.