EPA Takes Action to Protect the Public from an Unregistered Pesticide

From EPA:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

March 30, 2015 

EPA Takes Action to Protect the Public from an Unregistered Pesticide  

EPA issues order to stop the sale of BioStorm and NanoStrike 

Contact Information: Dawn Harris Young, (404) 562-8421 (Direct), (404) 562-8400 (Main), harris-young.dawn@epa.gov

ATLANTA - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued an order to Nano Defense Solutions, Inc. in Saint Augustine, Fla. to stop the sale of “BioStorm” and “NanoStrike.” BioStorm and NanoStrike are products that are being marketed by the company for use in sites that include hospitals and athletic facilities.

The company claims in advertisements and brochures that BioStorm and NanoStrike use silver nanoparticle as an active ingredient and that these products are highly effective against bacteria, viruses, fungi, algae and yeasts. The company also makes unsubstantiated efficacy claims that “BioStorm and NanoStrike are designed to swiftly eradicate all microorganisms and keep surfaces free of colonization for up to a full year”. Such public health claims can only be made on products that have been properly tested and are registered with the EPA.

Under federal pesticide law, products that contain a pesticide as an active ingredient or claim to kill or repel bacteria or germs are considered pesticides and must be registered with the EPA prior to distribution or sale. The Agency will not register a pesticide until it has been determined that it will not pose an unreasonable risk when used according to the label directions.

The EPA is committed to ensuring that products making public health claims in the marketplace meet stringent effectiveness and safety standards, since the public cannot readily determine with the naked eye the effectiveness and safety of antimicrobial pesticides. Due to potential human health implications if the pesticides are not effective or meet our safety standards, the EPA continues to place a priority on actions regarding non-complying pesticides.

For additional information about pesticides, visit: http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/.

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