U.S. EPA fined a connectivity manufacturer for selling unregistered pesticides and making unproven claims about their effectiveness. The fine was $208,000, and the manufacturer has since removed its pesticide claims from the offending products.

At issue were wireless mousse and a wireless mouse/keyboard combination claiming that the nano-coating killed germs and pathogens. According to EPA, these are unsubstantiated public health claims regarding unregistered products-a violation of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act.

Katherine Taylor, associate director of the Communities and Ecosystems Division at EPA's Region 9, said, "We're seeing far too many unregistered products that assert unsubstantiated antimicrobial properties ... Whether the claim involves use of an existing material such as silver, or new nano technology, EPA takes these unverified public health claims very seriously. Consumers should always follow commonsense hygiene practices, like washing hands frequently and thoroughly."

Products that kill or repel bacteria or germs are considered pesticides, and must be registered with EPA before distribution or sale. The Agency will not register a pesticide until it has been tested to show that it will not pose an unreasonable risk when used according to the directions. Consumers should be careful to look for the EPA registration number printed on product labels, and to follow the directions for safe use.

INFO: Contact Mary Simms at 415-947-4270.