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PA EPA TAKES ACTION TO REDUCE ACCIDENTAL EXPOSURES TO RAT POISONS; CALLS FOR NOMINATIONS TO ESTABLISH WORKGROUP TO IMPROVE SAFETY OF PRODUCTS
Release Date: 10/16/98
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FOR RELEASE: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1998
EPA TAKES ACTION TO REDUCE ACCIDENTAL EXPOSURES TO RAT POISONS; CALLS FOR NOMINATIONS TO ESTABLISH WORKGROUP TO IMPROVE SAFETY OF PRODUCTS
In an effort to reduce accidental exposures to poisonous rat and rodent baits, and other rodenticide products, EPA is requesting that manufacturers add indicator dyes and bittering agents to help identify these products if they are accidentally ingested or improperly handled. Formulations for almost 300 products, including various pelletized baits, paraffin blocks, and powders may be affected by these changes. EPA believes these changes will increase the safety of these products, especially when they are used in residential settings where young children are present and reported incidents of accidental ingestion and exposure are high. These safety measures were included in two EPA Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) documents for rodenticide products, whose availability was announced in the Federal Register, on Sept. 11, 1998. In addition to requiring the use of bittering agents and dyes as a condition for continued registration, EPA is establishing a stakeholder group to develop other ideas to further reduce the risk of exposure to rodenticides. EPA is currently accepting nominations for individuals to participate on this stakeholder group. Once a stakeholder group is established, EPA plans to conduct public meetings to accept and discuss ideas for improving the safety of rodenticide products. Although human exposures are a primary concern, the Agency also is seeking more information on animal exposures, including wildlife and household pets. EPA will accept comments on its REDs for rodenticide products, which include the new requirements for dyes and bittering agents, until Nov. 10, 1998. The Sept. 11, 1998 notice can be viewed on the Internet at: www.epa.gov/REDs. For more information on the technical contents of the RED and to submit nominations for the stakeholder group, contact Dennis Deziel at 703-308-8173 or Susan Jennings at 703-308-7130.
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