An Ohio air filter company was ordered to immediately stop the sale and distribution of two of its products due to use of unregistered pesticide. The order was issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on July 18.
The EPA said that the two products, “Antimicrobial Filter” and “Allergen Filter,” were treated with unregistered pesticides, in violation of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). FIFRA is the federal statute that controls the registration, distribution, sale, and use of pesticides in the United States.
The EPA alleges that Excell Air Filters has said on its website that the products in question could or should be used against the COVID-19 virus, among other public health and safety claims.
The company’s website states that the allergen filter “capture[s] and eliminates all allergens, airborne particles and contaminants on contact”—including pet hair and dander, asbestos, dust mites, dead skin cells, dust and dirt, lead paint dust, mold and fungi, tobacco smoke, smog, pollen, and ragweed—while the antimicrobial filter additionally “eliminates/kills ALL VIRUSES.”
In one promotional image, titled “Reasons to choose Excell Air Filters,” the products were said to kill “all viruses” without indicating which line of filters. The website does not currently specify the COVID-19 virus.
NTD has contacted Excell Air Filters for comment on the matter but did not hear back before publication time.
The EPA subsequent order was issued to prevent further sale and distribution of the products since, according to the EPA, they are treated with unregistered pesticides.
FIFRA stipulates that any pesticides used must undergo a registration process by the EPA, which determines whether the products will perform as intended before being deemed suitable for distribution. The use of any pesticide must also be deemed safe for use by the EPA and not pose any “unreasonable risk to human health or the environment, when used as directed,” as per the release.
According to the EPA, “with certain exceptions, a pesticide is any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling, or mitigating any pest, or intended for use as a plant regulator, defoliant, or desiccant, or desiccant, or any nitrogen stabilizer.”
According to the agency, all products deemed safe for use will be labeled accordingly, informing consumers that they are EPA-approved alongside additional information for appropriate use and safety measures.
The agency cautions against the use of unregistered products that have not undergone the appropriate evaluation process, as these may not function as advertised or even mislead consumers.
Companies found knowingly violating FIFRA can face fines of up to $25,000 and up to one-year imprisonment for those deemed responsible.