All News Releases By Date

FUMIGATOR CHARGED WITH PESTICIDE MISUSE

Release Date: 06/27/97
Contact Information:

FUMIGATOR CHARGED WITH PESTICIDE MISUSE

Ruben Brown, an unlicensed pesticide applicator from Bellwood, Ill., was charged
with two counts of violating the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide
Act on June 20, in U.S. District Court in Chicago, Ill.  Brown allegedly applied
the pesticide methyl parathion inside homes in the Chicago area in June and July 1996.  
Methyl parathion is highly toxic to the nervous system and can be absorbed through the
skin.  Exposure can result in vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions and death.  It is
approved only for outdoor agricultural use.  If convicted, Brown faces a maximum
of up to two years imprisonment and/or fines up to $200,000.  He may also be ordered
to pay restitution.  The case was investigated by EPA’s Criminal Investigation
Division and the FBI with the assistance of EPA’s National Enforcement Investigations
Center.