EPA Settles Pesticides Violations with Pine Grove Company

Release date: 10/15/2008

Contact Information: Donna Heron 215-814-5113 / heron.donna@epa.gov

PHILADELPHIA (October 15. 2008) -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Paradigm Labs, Inc., of Pine Grove, Pa., have settled alleged violations of the federal law governing the manufacture and use of pesticides. Paradigm, a manufacturer of chemicals including dry-cleaning products, will pay a $24,000 penalty.

EPA alleged that Paradigm violated the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) in seven sales of an unregistered pesticide and seven sales of a misbranded pesticide. The 14 violations pertain to three different pesticidal products -- Microbloc MMR, DSP and MSE. These products were used as surface protectants to prevent the growth of microorganisms such as mold, mildew, fungus, algae, bacteria and viruses.

As part of the settlement, Paradigm neither admitted nor denied liability for the alleged violations, but has certified that it is now in compliance with FIFRA requirements.

FIFRA is a federal law requiring the registration of pesticide products and pesticide-production facilities, and the proper labeling of pesticides. FIFRA’s requirements protect public health and the environment by ensuring the safe production, handling and application of pesticides; and by preventing false, misleading or unverifiable product claims. FIFRA also prohibits the marketing of misbranded, improperly labeled or adulterated pesticides. For more information about EPA’s pesticide program, visit http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/.

Today’s action contributes to EPA's record-shattering enforcement results for the 2008 Fiscal Year. To date, EPA has concluded enforcement actions requiring polluters to spend an estimated $11 billion on pollution controls, clean-up and environmental projects, an all time record for EPA. After these activities are completed, EPA expects annual pollution reductions of more than three billion pounds.