State investigates misuse of pesticide in the Rutland area - Chlorpyrifos can remain in a home even if it was treated months or years ago

The Department of Health and the Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets continue to investigate the possible misuse of a pesticide in the Rutland region by AAA Accredited Pest Control company located on Cold River Road. The Agency of Agriculture summarily suspended the license of AAA Accredited Pest Control in July. The company is suspected of using a chemical (chlorpyrifos) to treat for bed bugs and other insects. Chlorpyrifos has been prohibited for indoor use by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency since 2001. The state has obtained customer records from AAA from 2012 that show 150 residences, in addition to the 61 originally identified, that were sprayed with various pesticides. The state sent letters to those 150 residences on Aug. 7 asking permission to collect samples in homes for laboratory testing. The state is offering the testing at no cost. “We’re asking for everyone’s assistance and patience, and we are grateful to the residents who have had their homes tested so far,” said Health Commissioner Harry Chen, M.D. “We’ve been working closely with state and federal agencies and while the scope of our work has expanded, our approach is the same. We want to test the homes and then determine the best course of action to address any possible health concerns.”

Source: The Eagle, 8 August 2013
http://www.addison-eagle.com/news/2013/aug/08/state-investigates-misuse…