DPNR: Methyl Bromide Pesticide Came from Puerto Rico
Although the use of pesticides containing methyl bromide was discontinued for residential use about 10 years ago because of its impact on the ozone layer, the St. Thomas-based Terminix pest control company was able to buy it in Puerto Rico, Planning and Natural Resources spokesman Jamal Nielsen said Wednesday.
He said they used it in an attempt to eradicate powder post beetles at Sirenusa condominium resort on St. John. Powder post beetles are a type of bug that can turn wood to powder.
Gov. Kenneth E. Mapp said in a Wednesday news release that Planning issued a Stop Use Order to the company which used the pesticide. The entire inventory of the pesticide was placed under quarantine, while local authorities and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency personnel collaborated to determine how to remove and store it appropriately.
The news release indicated there is an investigation underway to determine how and where the product was used elsewhere in the territory.
The pesticide was used to fumigate a room at Sirenusa on March 18. On March 20, members of a vacationing Delaware family suffered seizures and were rushed to Schneider Regional Medical Center with apparent chemical poisoning. Efforts to get updated information on the condition of Steve Esmond, Dr. Theresa Devine and their two children, Ryan and Sean, Wednesday were unsuccessful. Wilmington, Delaware, attorney James J. Maron, who is serving as the family spokesman, did not return two phone calls requesting information.
By Lynda Lohr
DPNR: Methyl Bromide Pesticide Came from Puerto Rico | St. Croix Source
He said they used it in an attempt to eradicate powder post beetles at Sirenusa condominium resort on St. John. Powder post beetles are a type of bug that can turn wood to powder.
Gov. Kenneth E. Mapp said in a Wednesday news release that Planning issued a Stop Use Order to the company which used the pesticide. The entire inventory of the pesticide was placed under quarantine, while local authorities and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency personnel collaborated to determine how to remove and store it appropriately.
The news release indicated there is an investigation underway to determine how and where the product was used elsewhere in the territory.
The pesticide was used to fumigate a room at Sirenusa on March 18. On March 20, members of a vacationing Delaware family suffered seizures and were rushed to Schneider Regional Medical Center with apparent chemical poisoning. Efforts to get updated information on the condition of Steve Esmond, Dr. Theresa Devine and their two children, Ryan and Sean, Wednesday were unsuccessful. Wilmington, Delaware, attorney James J. Maron, who is serving as the family spokesman, did not return two phone calls requesting information.
By Lynda Lohr
DPNR: Methyl Bromide Pesticide Came from Puerto Rico | St. Croix Source
posted by Zo Heri at 6:34 AM
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