Withdrawal from market doesn't stop use of dangerous products

[ Pesticide Poisoning and Kids ] * [ Symptoms of Pesticide Poisoning ]
[ MEMORIAL TO VICTIMS ]

Subject:   EPA Pesticide Program Update (02/03/00)
Date:        Fri, 04 Feb 2000 08:22:55 -0500
From:        Stephen Tvedten <steve@getipm.com>
Organization:     Get Set Inc. (www.getipm.com)

To:     Lyndon Hawkins <hawkins@empm.cdpr.ca.gov>
          State of California, Department of Pesticide Regulation
          Integrated Pest Management

Lyndon, I thought you might like to read EPA's latest update: SOME CONSUMERS REMAIN UNAWARE OF ALLERCARE tm RECALL.

On January 13, at the urging of the Environmental Protection Agency, S.C. Johnson and Son, Inc. issued an immediate voluntary recall of AllerCareJ Dust Mite Powder and AllerCareJ Dust Mite Allergen Spray for Carpet and Upholstery. The recall is based on more than 400 incidents from consumers reporting medical problems associated with the use of these products. Some of the serious symptoms that have been reported include: asthma attacks, respiratory problems, burning sensations, and skin irritation.

Since the Jan.13 recall, the company reports that 98 percent of the products have been removed from store shelves. However, some consumers unaware of the recall have continued to report adverse effects from using the products. To ensure protection of public health, EPA again urges consumers with these products in their homes, particularly those with asthma, other respiratory conditions, or allergies, to consult their physician if they have concerns. To return the products, consumers should contact S.C. Johnson and Son, Inc., toll free at 1-877-255-3722.

For further information, consumers may contact the National Pesticide Telecommunications Network at 800-858-7378, or visit EPA's web site at:- http://www.epa.gov/pesticides. If consumers need additional information on allergic diseases or asthma, they may contact the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology at 800-822-2762, or on their web site at: http://www.aaaai.org.

Well Lyndon, it is not strange that people are still reporting adverse effects from using this "registered" POISON that was "voluntarily withdrawn" from store shelves but, obviously not from homes. I STILL have farmers and homeowners and pest control operators that confide they STILL have and are using another "voluntarily withdrawn" (cancer causing) chemical (POISON) called Chlordane!

I have several safe and effective (unregistered) controls for Dust Mites and/or to safely and effectively control the fungus Aspergillus repens which predigests human skin flakes into a form the mites can eat. When will it be "legal" (in your opinion) to use safe and effective (unregistered) alternatives to your dangerous "registered" POISONS to actually control pest problems in California?

Respectfully, Stephen L. Tvedten