Most rodenticides may be effective at dealing with rodents, but not all of them are safe for human handling. Using certain brands of rodenticides may compromise the human health and lead to serious complications. It is for this reason that the Environmental Protection Agency regularly checks the rodenticides being manufactured to ensure they meet the set safety standards. Below is a look at what happened when the EPA tried to a recall a rodenticide manufactured by Reckitt and Benckiser.
Reckitt and Benckiser Defy the EPA Order to Recall their Pesticide
The manufacturers of d-Con, Reckitt and Benckiser faced off with the EPA after they openly defied the Agency’s new regulations to recall the product. According to veterinary and toxicology experts, the rodenticide could cause harm to pets.
It was not the first time Reckitt and Benckiser had been noncompliant with the EPA regulations. In fact, the manufacturer has been contravening a regulation that requires all manufacturers to cease the use of anticoagulants meant for residential environments since 2008. Consequently, the EPA notified Reckitt and Benckiser of their intention to cancel twelve of its products.
Conflicting Safety Concerns
While the EPA says that the anticoagulant in d-Con poses a health risk to children and pets, some toxicology experts still recommend its use in homes. The experts think that the anticoagulant in the rodenticide is the safest option in regards to pesticide and wildlife exposure. Reckitt and Benckiser argue that consumers should be left to choose between d-Con and other rodenticides such as bromethalin. The company says that recalling d-Con will only narrow the consumer’s choice which is not fair, particularly when you consider that the anticoagulant in d-Conn may not be harmful as the EPA says it is. A showdown looms as the EPA says that Reckitt and Benckiser are the only company among 30 other rodenticide manufacturers who have refused to adhere to the regulatory measures.
Who Has The Jurisdiction Over a Recalled Rodenticide?
The Environmental Protection Agency has the jurisdiction over any rodenticide recalls.
How Do You Know if a Rodenticide That You Are Using Has Been Recalled?
Checking the EPA’s official website www.recalls.gov/epa is the surest way to know if the product that you have been using is recalled. The Agency also notifies consumers about rodenticides recalls through press releases.
What Do You Do With a Recalled Rodenticide?
Disposing a recalled rodenticide is the best way to deal with the product. Remember that the product still holds health hazards, thus keeping it will only compromise your health and that of your children and pets.
