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Nov 2 2021
EPA Directs City of Benton Harbor, Michigan, to Take Immediate Actions to Improve the Safety and Reliability of its Drinking Water

Agency Sets Schedule and Will Offer Assistance to Correct Violations

November 2, 2021 Contact Information EPA Press Office

WASHINGTON (Nov. 2, 2021) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued an order under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act to the city of Benton Harbor, Michigan, based on violations and deficiencies found during a recent, joint federal-state inspection of the water system. The federal order sets out the steps necessary for the city to bring its water system into compliance to assure proper operations and to protect residents from exposure to lead. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy is also taking a separate action today to address violations of state law as part of its ongoing state enforcement action.  

“The people of Benton Harbor have suffered for too long. EPA is fully engaged and working to support the community, and today, we are taking a critical next step to ensure that drinking water is safe and reliable,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Exposure to lead in children can cause irreversible and life-long health effects, including decreasing IQ, focus, and academic achievement. The water infrastructure in Benton Harbor, like many cities across the country, needs upgrades and investments to build resiliency and protect people from lead.”

The Safe Drinking Water Act provides EPA with broad authority to protect public health. EPA’s SDWA Section 1414 order requires the city to take several actions to protect residents in Benton Harbor, including:

  • Informing consumers when lead action level exceedances are detected in drinking water.
  • Improving the applications of chlorine for disinfection and orthophosphate for corrosion control.
  • Implementing stricter requirements for better monitoring of residual disinfectants and its byproducts.
  • Making filter repairs at the treatment plant.
  • Using an independent third-party to conduct an analysis of alternatives for the long-term operation and maintenance of the system.

EPA’s involvement has been instrumental to driving recent actions to ensure people are safe and healthy. This includes working closely with the state and providing oversight and support of their efforts to address the immediate and pressing needs of the community—including providing bottled water. In addition, EPA recently awarded $5.6 million to Benton Harbor under a Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act grant for lead service line replacement, along with a corrosion control study. EPA is working with Michigan’s state agencies, the City of Benton Harbor, and the drinking water system on medium- and long-term solutions, which are essential to ensuring the health and well-being of residents in the community. 

Through its oversight role, EPA is also offering the city the services of a compliance advisor to provide direct, one-on-one technical assistance to the system operator. EPA makes compliance advisors available to small, under-resourced drinking water systems nationwide that may lack sufficient expertise. 

For more information, visit: https://www.epa.gov/mi/benton-harbor-drinking-water

https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-directs-city-benton-harbor-michigan-take-immediate-actions-improve-safety-and

Christine 0 Comments
Aug 26 2021
Nursing Home Monetary Penalties Heat Up

CMS reverses prior decision to change penalties from per day to per instance. AARP Foundation and a Washington-based law firm sued to block the per instance penalty, which created endless nursing home violations without further penalty before fixing, if ever. Nearly one third of all Covid related deaths are in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and other long-term care settings.

CMS is hereby removing the July 7, 2017 Memo (S&C 17-37-NH) from its guidance repository. In that memo, CMS instructed CMS Locations (formerly “Regional Offices”) to impose civil monetary penalties for prior noncompliance solely on a per-instance basis. Upon further consideration, CMS has determined that the agency should retain the discretion at this time to impose a per-day penalty where appropriate to address specific circumstances of prior noncompliance. We will work within CMS operations to apply such discretion, and any final notice of noncompliance will set forth the penalty, and the reason(s) for imposing per-instance or per-day penalties. https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Provider-Enrollment-and-Certification/SurveyCertificationGenInfo/Policy-and-Memos-to-States-and-Regions-Items/Survey-and-Cert-Letter-17-37

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ESG Safe is an authorized reseller of regulated disinfectant and PPE gear. Buyers can be assured of quality and safety for staff and residents. They are best in class, often innovative game changers, and almost always available for immediate delivery. Our team will guide you to the best solutions.

Christine 0 Comments
Jun 16 2021
EPA Issues Order to eBay to Stop Selling 170 Unregistered, Misbranded Pesticides

WASHINGTON – On June 16, 2021, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ordered eBay Inc., of San Jose, California, to stop selling 170 unregistered and/or misbranded pesticide products in violation of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). The EPA amended the Stop Sale Use or Removal Order issued to eBay on June 10, 2020 to include the additional products. 

Following up on tips and complaints from consumers and members of the regulated community, the EPA identified 170 pesticides on eBay.com that were either not registered with the Agency, labeled with false or misleading statements (misbranded), or both. 

“Unregistered pesticides can pose a serious hazard to human health and the environment,” said Larry Starfield, EPA acting assistant administrator for the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “EPA remains committed to holding online retailers such as eBay accountable for the sale of these dangerous products through their websites.”

Through FIFRA, Congress tasked the EPA to regulate the production, sale, distribution, and use of pesticides in the United States. FIFRA makes it unlawful for any person to distribute or sell a pesticide that is not registered with the EPA or a pesticide with false or misleading labeling. The EPA is authorized to issue a stop sale use or removal order whenever a pesticide is found to be in violation of FIFRA’s requirements.

Among the pesticide products subject to the amended order is brodifacoum, a highly lethal anticoagulant poison with several links to human intoxication, and dichlorvos (aka DDVP), an organophosphate insecticide that has various restrictions and prohibited uses in the United States due to the dangers it presents to human health (EPA also classified DDVP as a probable human carcinogen). 
 

A bottle of Sniper DDVP dichlorvos
 
Recently, the EPA issued alerts to different members of the public including apartment building managers and superintendents, flight crews, customs and border protection agents, and the general public to increase awareness of the dangers posed by DDVP both in its application and transportation. 

Also included in the amended order are pesticides that eBay failed to stop selling after the June 10, 2020 order such as Virus Shut Out, a purported spatial disinfection card that claims to protect the wearer from the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). 
 
 A bottle of Virus Shut Out


To view the stop sale order, view: https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/amended-stop-sale-use-or-removal-order-issued-ebay-inc.

To make the public aware of the dangers of DDVP, EPA developed five fact sheets targeted to different audiences: https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/ddvp-fact-sheets.

For additional information on the coronavirus: www.epa.gov/coronavirus.

Members of the public can help protect our environment by identifying and reporting environmental violations. Learn more here: https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/report-environmental-violation-general-information. 

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ESG Safe is an authorized reseller of regulated disinfectant and PPE gear. Buyers can be assured of quality with shipment direct from manufacturer certified distribution facilities to you. They are best in class, often innovative game changers, and almost always available for immediate delivery. Our team will guide you to the best solutions.

Christine 0 Comments
May 26 2021
San Diego Firm and Owner Pleads Guilty to Illegal Importation, Sale and Mailing of Product Marketed as COVID-19 Killer

SAN DIEGO – A San Diego firm and its owner pleaded guilty in federal court today to charges relating to the unlawful importation, sale and mailing of an unregistered pesticide product from Japan marketed as a killer of airborne viruses such as COVID-19.

The product, known as EcoAirDoctor, was a small badge represented to emit a gas that would kill viruses within a certain distance.  Such products are required to be registered as pesticides in the United States; no such registration was obtained.

Samir Haj, owner of EcoShield, LLC, admitted that he negotiated an agreement on behalf of the company with a foreign exporter that allowed him to import the product for a cost of $6.25 per unit. When he imported 125,000 units into the United States on June 10, 2019, he falsely declared the value to be approximately $2.07 per unit, resulting in an underpayment of Customs duty of $33,919.

The product was falsely described as an air purifier rather than a pesticide. The defendants shipped the product to individuals who purchased from their website via U.S. Mail, including a shipment to an undercover mailbox in Arizona in May of 2020. The product, as noted on the label, contains sodium chlorite, which is an item declared to be unmailable under U.S. Postal rules and regulations.  Sodium chlorite was deemed unmailable because of its propensity to cause fire or explosion.

As part of the plea agreements, the defendants agreed to forfeit $427,689, the proceeds from the sale of the illegal product, and to pay restitution of $86,754 for the unpaid duty and the cost of disposing of the product that was not sold.  In addition, the company agreed to pay a fine of $42,000, for a total financial penalty of $556,443.

“This defendant took advantage of COVID-19 fears to market an illegal product,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “We are aggressively pursuing opportunists who exploit the pandemic to make money.”

Grossman praised Assistant U.S. Attorney Melanie Pierson; trial attorney Stephen DaPonte of the Department of Justice’s Environmental Crimes Section; and agents with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Criminal Investigations Division; Homeland Security Investigations; and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service for their exceptional work on this case.

“Unregistered pesticide products pose serious public health dangers,” said Special Agent in Charge Scot Adair of EPA’s criminal enforcement program in California. “Today’s guilty plea demonstrates that EPA and our law enforcement partners are committed to protecting the American people from products that make fraudulent – and potentially harmful – COVID-19 protection claims.”

“Whenever someone uses the U.S. Mail to send dangerous, illegal, or improper items, Postal Inspectors will find them and bring them to justice,” said Eric Shen, Acting Postal Inspector in Charge, Los Angeles Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. “We remain committed to keeping the mail safe for our customers and our employees.”

“This individual violated several federal laws and jeopardized public safety by marketing and selling an unproven device,” said Cardell T. Morant, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). “It’s despicable that he preyed upon people’s fear of COVID-19 to turn a profit. HSI will continue to work with our partners at Environmental Protection Agency -Criminal Investigation Division, California Department of Toxic Substances Control, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Customs and Border Protection, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to ensure public safety during this pandemic.”

Sentencing is scheduled for August 13, 2021 at 9 a.m. Before U.S. District Judge Janis L. Sammartino.

DEFENDANTS                                               Case Number 21cr1463

EcoShield, LLC                                               Formed: July 2018                         San Diego, California     

Samir Haj                                                                     Age: 46San Diego, California

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

For Eco Shield LLC

Entry of Goods Falsely Classified – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 541

Maximum penalty: Five years of probation and $500,000 fine or twice the amount of gross gain or loss, restitution to victims, forfeiture of proceeds

For Samir Haj

Entry of Goods Falsely Classified – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 541

Maximum penalty: Two years in custody and $250,000 fine, restitution to victims, forfeiture of proceeds

Nonmailable Injurious Articles – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1716(j)(1)

Maximum penalty: One year in custody and $100,000 fine

Distribution or Sale of Unregistered Pesticides – Title 7, U.S.C., Sections 136j(a)(1)(A) and 136l(b)(1)(B)

Maximum penalty: One year in custody and $100,000 fine

AGENCIES

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Criminal Investigations Division

Homeland Security Investigations

U.S. Postal Inspection Service

For more information on EPA’s Criminal Investigations Division, visit: https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/criminal-enforcement.

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ESG Safe is an authorized reseller of regulated disinfectant and PPE gear. Buyers can be assured of quality with shipment direct from manufacturer certified distribution facilities. Our team will guide you to the best solutions.

Christine 0 Comments
iwave needlepoint bipolar ionization
Apr 13 2021
iWave Indoor Air Quality Solution Review:

Is iWave the best air purifier solution for your commercial or residental HVAC? Air purifier solutions are exploding due to Sars Covid-19 spread concerns and needlepoint bipolar ionization air purifiers are serious contenders. We all benefit from better indoor air quality whether to reduce odors from pets and cooking, to reduce allergens, or to kill mold, bacteria and viruses. My HVAC dealer shared some iWave literature with me when we were discussing indoor air quality problems and solutions.

iWave Product overview:

IWave products by Nu-Calgon, St Louis, MO, are installed in your existing HVAC system. There’s a model for every type of A/C system from ductless mini-split to commercial systems. Nu-Calgon, formerly part of Calgon Corporation and Calgon Vestal Laboratories, has been a leader in the HVAC aftermarket for the past 70 years. The iWave uses Global Plasma Solutions (GPS), of Charlotte, NC, patented technology which targets airborne particles, pathogens and odors to clean indoor air scientifically.

Global Plasma Solutions Certifications: UL and cUL approved. GPS’s NPBI technology has been certified in accordance with UL 867 and UL 2998 as ozone-free. iWave-R example UL certification is here. https://productiq.ulprospector.com/en/profile/2138463/qqch2.e346998?term=iwave&page=1.

How iWave works:

Needlepoint bipolar ionization (NPBI) technology.

When the fan is on, the iWave creates equal amounts of positive and negative ions which disburse through the HVAC system into the air. They seek out and bond with particles, making them bigger so more can get stuck in your air filter and less ends up on coils and in ducts. When the fan is off, the system is inactive. NPBI technology generates ions without producing ozone or other harmful byproducts just like ions created from natural waterfalls.

iWave effectiveness vs claims:

“When the ions come in contact with viruses, bacteria or mold, they remove the hydrogen molecules – without them, the pathogens have no source of energy and will die. The ions also attach to allergens like pollen and other particles, causing them to band together until they are large enough to be caught by your ventilation system’s air filter. This process is proven by independent laboratory testing to be both safe and effective.“

REVIEWER: See FDA generic statement and other comments below.

“iWave air purifiers will kill SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes the COVID-19 disease.  Through independent lab tests, iWave has been proven to kill 99.4% of the SARS-CoV-2 virus within 30 minutes.”

REVIEWER: The tests prove it can inactivate SARS-CoV2 on a surface in a lab, not the air. Also, confusing is the difference between pathogen test results wording on iWave.com, vs the studies highlighted on GPS web site. The 99.4% does match a June 2020 press release. Both results are referring to reduction rate on a SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) surface strain, not inactivation in the air. It might inactivate in the air, but it’s not proven by these particular tests.

iwave sars cov-2 test resultsgps sars-cov-2 test results

“Kills mold, bacteria and viruses; Reduces allergens, odors, smoke, static electricity and other airborne particles. Keeps coil cleaner.”

REVIEWER: We did not try the product. Reviews are mostly positive 4 and 5 stars on Amazon. It’s good enough that reputable HVAC dealers are using for their clients and GPS has lots of big clients using.

“iWave has proven to be the best air purifier on the market.” I’m going to cry FOUL on this claim after identifying multiple companies using the GPS technology and marketing air purifiers under different brand names, therefore the products would be equal, plus there is insufficient data and explanation to support what about the iWave is the better than others. It’s possible GPS patented technology is the best professional HVAC solution to improve indoor air quality.

What others say:

  • Consumer Reports did not include the brand in their air purifiers reviews, probably because they are not standalone units, but instead require professional installation.
  • FDA on Air Cleaners, HVAC Filters, and Coronavirus (COVID-19: In order for an air cleaner to be effective in removing viruses from the air, it must be able to remove small airborne particles (in the size range of 0.1-1 um). Provided manufacturers have data to demonstrate efficacy, manufacturers of these types of devices may market this technology to help remove viruses, including SARS-2-CoV, the virus that causes COVID-19, from the air, or to facilitate surface disinfection of surfaces within a treated area. This is an emerging technology, and little research is available that evaluates it outside of lab conditions. As typical of newer technologies, the evidence for safety and effectiveness is less documented than for more established ones, such as filtration. Bipolar ionization has the potential to generate ozone and other potentially harmful by-products indoors, unless specific precautions are taken in the product design and maintenance. If you decide to use a device that incorporates bipolar ionization technology, EPA recommends using a device that meets UL 2998 standard certification (Environmental Claim Validation Procedure (ECVP) for Zero Ozone Emissions from Air Cleaners). https://www.epa.gov/coronavirus/air-cleaners-hvac-filters-and-coronavirus-covid-19

Cost: Amazon and other online prices in the $260-700 range depending on the model. Since the warranty required professional installation, best to buy from the HVAC company as they may not install yours.

Safety: There no known safety concerns when professionally installed.

Maintenance: None. Stated life expectancy is about 10-15 years.

Warranty: For a valid warranty claim within three years, proof of purchase and proof of installation by a licensed HVAC or electrical contractor must be provided. 

iWave Reviewer Summary:

A widely respected HVAC contractor introduced me to the product line as something they have in their toolbox of solutions. That being said, he also says the industry is still looking for solutions or technology certified by recognized authorities such as EPA or ASHRAE, not third party labs hired by the manufacturer. It seems like a good product. Unlike EPA List-N products that are approved for fogging and misting to kill airborne pathogens like Sars-CoV2, in typically 1-10 minutes, air purifiers do not have the same type of certification. I can see both solutions being used in the same buildings. For example, when someone tests positive in a classroom or office and then exits, fogging the room is the most proven reliable way for quick re-entry.

Resources:

DISCLAIMER:

ESG Safe staff searched the internet to learn more about the referenced products. The images shown contain content from cited manufacture and distributor web sites. Note, disinfectants are regulated by the EPA under the category pesticides as there is no specific category for disinfectants.

Products distributed by ESG Safe always meet government requirements and are verifiable on various agency web sites.

Christine 1 Comments
BIOPROTECT STOP SALE
Apr 9 2021
EPA orders Philadelphia company to stop making inaccurate health claims about pesticide

03/31/2021 Contact Information:  EPA Region 3 Press Office

PHILADELPHIA (March 31, 2021) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has ordered ViaClean Technologies, operating in Philadelphia, to stop marketing the pesticide BioProtect RTU with claims that it is effective against surfaces from public health related pathogens such as the coronavirus.

Although the product is registered to inhibit the growth of “non-public health” microorganisms, it is not registered to address “public health” pathogens. EPA is concerned that customers may have used this product as protection from a virus – such as the coronavirus — in lieu of other EPA-approved disinfection methods.

“Improperly marketed pesticides, especially during a pandemic, may cause injury to consumers,” said Acting EPA Mid-Atlantic Region Administrator Diana Esher. “EPA remains vigilant and will continue to protect the health and safety of Americans from products that have false or misleading public health claims.”

ViaClean provided two BioProtect RTU fact sheets containing public health claims to at least one customer, including the statement that the pesticide can be used to kill “germs.”

Some online distributors, cleaning services, and end-recipients of BioProtect RTU were also making unsubstantiated claims that this product is effective against pathogens, germs, disease-causing bacteria, viruses, and/or the novel coronavirus for up to 90 days.

EPA issued a Stop Sale, Use or Removal Order to prevent BioProtectRTU from continuing to sell this product with public health claims that have not been substantiated through the pesticide registration process.

Under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), products that claim to kill or repel bacteria or germs, including disinfectants, are considered pesticides and must be registered with the EPA. Public health claims can only be made regarding products that have been properly tested and are registered with the EPA.

EPA has released an expanded list of EPA-registered disinfectant products that have qualified for use against SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. List-N contains over 460 additional products—including products that went through the expedited review process for emerging viral pathogens.

To view the most up-to-date list of EPA-registered disinfectant products, visit https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2

For more information on EPA resources on the coronavirus disease (COVID-19): https://www.epa.gov/coronavirus

For more information on pesticides, please visit: http://www.epa.gov/pesticides   

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DISCLAIMER:

ESG Safe staff searched the internet to learn more about the referenced products. Since the specific literature in question is unknown, it’s hard to discern whether any literature on the web now is related to the stop order. The image shown contains content that was publicly obtained from an internet reseller. It has the word germs but there’s now way to know if it contributed to the violation. Note, disinfectants are regulated by the EPA under the category pesticides as there is no specific category for disinfectants.

Products distributed by ESG Safe always meet government requirements and are verifiable on various agency web sites.

Christine 0 Comments
Apr 9 2021
Can air purification technologies kill Covid? C&EN magazine reports.

Great article in C&EN magazine about the growth of air purification systems, the science behind it and why we should address air quality, not just masks and surface cleaning. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are the most common approach used to capture airborne SARS-CoV-2, but it’s technology dates back to WW II. Ion solutions are a huge market with varied claims and effectiveness.

Some air purification systems use bipolar ionization, in which high-voltage electrodes create a blizzard of positive and negative ions from molecules in air, such as oxygen and water. Some manufacturers claim that these ions attach to viral particles in the air and weigh them down until they fall to a surface; others claim that the ions react with the virus’s surface proteins, preventing it from infecting cells.

Can needlepoint bipolar Ionization (NBPI) improve indoor air quality?

The experts say it’s critical to not use any solution that generates ozone as even a little bit can have an impact on mobridity. They conclude that air quality is probably improved with some systems, but will not support statements on their reducing risk of SARS Covid-19. For now, the ASHRAE, whose mission is to serve humanity by advancing the arts and sciences of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration and their allied fields, says that “convincing scientifically-rigorous, peer-reviewed studies do not currently exist on this emerging technology”. Just like Covid treatment for people, we may never have convincing scientifically-rigorous, peer-reviewed studies in the near future. The evidence of cleaner air can be measured and can be visualized by air duct particulate levels with before and after testing.

About ESG Safe: ESG Safe offers EPA approved HVAC solutions. ESG Safe businesses sanitizing, environmental improvement and PPE solutions compatible with corporate environmental social governance goals, while improving public safety and our planet. ESG Safe’s lead disinfectant has a Covid kill rate of 60 seconds and is safe for all commercial and residential needs. All products carry the certifications and compliance requirements you need, from FDA Organic to EPA registered. ESG Safe is a Women Business Enterprise, Small Business Enterprise.

ESG Safe is working closely with HVAC industry experts and only offers products that meet their standards of safety and efficacy, in addition to government certifications. One of our lead products is potentially a game changer for maintenance and air quality for commercial, institutional and residential needs. Contact us for the latest products.

About ESG Safe: ESG Safe offers businesses sanitizing, environmental improvement and PPE solutions compatible with corporate environmental social governance goals, while improving public safety and our planet. ESG Safe’s lead disinfectant has a Covid kill rate of 60 seconds and is safe for all commercial and residential needs. All products carry the certifications and compliance requirements you need, from FDA Organic to EPA registered. ESG Safe is a Women Business Enterprise, Small Business Enterprise.

Resources: https://cen.acs.org/biological-chemistry/infectious-disease/air-purification-technologies-tackle-COVID/99/i9

Christine 0 Comments
yacht resale
Apr 6 2021
Increase yacht resale value by eliminating odors

When stepping inside a used yacht, one of the first senses we notice is smell. Is it good or bad? It’s often a major part of a decision to purchase and at what price. You’ll increase yacht resale prices by eliminating odors. Our biocide neutralizes odors, plus sanitizes air, surfaces and water, making it a strong value multi-purpose product that takes up little space on a yacht for storage.

Masking odors doesn’t work. People are smart enough to know that something is being covered up. Is there a musty or mold smell? Or does it smell like disinfectant and an air freshener trying to create a better odor? Our biocide can be used to kill mold, mildew, fungicide, slimicide and everything else, plus is carpet safe to kill pet odors. Eliminate the cause of the odor problem and neutralize odors in one product. Mop, fog, spray, or add to pools, water, and bilge.

Example uses from one product:

  1. Fog interior air and surfaces for turnover of staff and guests to protect against Covid-19 and other viruses.
  2. Spray exterior surfaces to disinfect and kill mold.
  3. Refresh, deodorize and sanitize HVAC ducts and systems.
  4. Mop floors and decks, sanitizing everything.
  5. Manual spray tight surface areas such as handles.
  6. Clean pots, pans, ventilation hoods to remove grime.
  7. Rinse vegetables to remove bacteria and extend shelf life.
  8. Eliminate chlorine and other undesirable chemicals in hot tub that can discolor chemically treated hair; clean pipes to extend life and reduce maintenance.
  9. Continually refresh air conditioning systems 24/7.
  10. Disinfect, clean, deodorize carpets, beds, chairs.
  11. Disinfect, clean, deodorize laundry room and washer, leaving inner and outer drum fresh.
  12. Kill odor causing bacteria in trash bags.
  13. Wastewater treatment and pipe cleaning.

TIP: All disinfectants require a ‘set time’ for sanitizing to work. For example, a product that has Covid kill time of 5 minutes must sit on the surface for 5 minutes before wiping.

About ESG Safe: ESG Safe offers businesses sanitizing, environmental improvement and PPE solutions compatible with corporate environmental social governance goals, while improving public safety and our planet. ESG Safe’s lead disinfectant has a Covid kill rate of 60 seconds and is safe for all commercial and residential needs. All products carry the certifications and compliance requirements you need, from FDA Organic to EPA registered. ESG Safe is a Women Business Enterprise, Small Business Enterprise.

Christine 0 Comments
epa disinfectant FN NANO illegal
Apr 1 2021
U.S. EPA orders Nevada and California companies to stop selling illegal disinfectants

SAN FRANCISO – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has ordered Macoma, LLC and FN Nano, Inc., located in Las Vegas and Reno, Nevada, as well as JT Construction Group, Inc. and BZ Nano, located in Glendale, California, to stop selling the unregistered disinfectant FN Nano Photocatalytic coatings, aka FN Coatings, FN NANO2 Photocatalytic Film. This product is an unregistered disinfectant pesticide being sold in violation of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). Such practices are particularly problematic during the COVID-19 pandemic, and EPA will continue to take enforcement actions such as this ‘Stop Sale’ order to protect public health.

EPA has issued the ‘Stop Sale’ order to prevent the companies from continuing to distribute or offer for sale these unregistered disinfectants. The products have been available for sale on their websites and are marketed for use in medical facilities, schools, offices, and homes.

“Effective disinfectants are vital to our communities in a pandemic.,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Enforcement Director Amy Miller. “If disinfectants are not registered, not effective, or make false claims, EPA will take action.”

Public health claims for pesticide products, including disinfectants, can only be made following proper testing and registration with the EPA. The agency will not register a pesticide until it has been determined the product will not pose an unreasonable risk to human health when used according to the label directions. Unregistered products can be harmful to human health, cause adverse effects, and may not be effective against the spread of germs.

To view the most up-to-date list of EPA-registered disinfectant products, visit https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2

Press release source: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/us-epa-orders-nevada-and-california-companies-stop-selling-illegal-disinfectants

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ESG Safe staff searched the internet to see if the products are still being marketed and sold. The answer is yes. No information regarding a response or whether they are currently seeking to get their products registered for sale in the US was found as of April 9, 2021. Products distributed by ESG Safe always meet government requirements and are verifiable on various agency web sites.

Christine 0 Comments
warning disinfectant poison
Mar 8 2021
Are disinfectants safe? Are regulations adequate?

The Sars Cov2 Coronavirus pandemic has catapulted massive growth in disinfectant and sanitizing products. But are they healthy for humans? A brief look at regulations will shake your confidence.

Are current disinfectants safe? Some are, some might not be. Especially worrisome is the sheer amount of growing chemical exposure through compounding of numerous touch points via air, food, and surfaces. A recent study revealed the chemical load is even heavier in household dust, which we breath, since Covid. Disinfectants are largely regulated by the EPA, but:

  • There is no specific EPA “disinfectant” category for regulation.
  • The Toxic Substances Control (TSCA) Act of 1976 provides EPA with authority to require reporting, record-keeping and testing requirements, and restrictions relating to chemical substances and/or mixtures. When the TSCA was enacted, it grandfathered in thousands of unevaluated chemicals that were in commerce at the time.
  • Disinfectants are regulated under pesticides. Think about the implications of that. We’re putting pesticides on everything due to new Covid related cleaning standards.
  • Pesticides were excluded from TSCA.

The Chemical Safety Act of the 21st Century, signed with bipartisan support during the Obama administration, addresses shortcomings in older regulation and oversight, but the government works slowing and lobbyists are sure to win delays.The Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics (OPPT) manages programs under the TSCA and the Pollution Prevention Act (PPA). Under these laws, the EPA evaluates new and existing chemicals and their risks, and finds ways to prevent or reduce pollution before it gets into the environment.

The EPA Safer Choice program is supposed to help consumers and businesses choose safer products for their family, pets, and environment, without sacrificing quality. Every ingredient must meet their safety criteria for both human health and the environment, including carcinogenicity, reproductive/developmental toxicity, toxicity to aquatic life, and persistence in the environment. More than 2,000 products currently qualify. Additionally, many government entities require use of Safer Choice products. There’s a huge incentive for manufacturers to get their products on the list.

CASE 1: Have you tried a single prepackaged wipe on an airplane? When I opened mine, I immediately winced from the odor and held my breath to avoid inhaling further. Ethyl alcohol, or more specifically Alcohols, C12-18, ethers with polyethylene glycol mono-Bu ether, is the primary ingredient in popular hand sanitizers on the EPA Safer Choice list. In short, these are on the list because they’re OK if they can degrade within 10-28 days, depending on the rate of biodegradation. All said and done, these products may be safer than some other alternatives, but how safe they are for us or the environment in the concentrations that are occurring today is another question.

CASE 2: I randomly picked an all purpose cleaner from the EPA Safer Choice list to see what ingredients were in it and how safe they are. The two active ingredients in my selection were Ethoxylated Nonylphenol (NP/NPEs) and Tetrasodium Ethylene Diamine Tetraacetate. We all know that when words start to look like that, it’s probably not good for us.

  • The EPA is proposing a Significant New Use Rule (since 2014), also known as a SNUR, under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The rule would require manufacturers to provide at least 90 days notice to EPA before commencing or resuming any significant new use of the 15 NP/NPEs that are no longer used in commerce.
  • Per the EPA web site here, consumers can avoid products with NP/NPEs by looking for products with EPA’s Safer Choice Label on the shelves of major retailers. Will general purpose cleaners using NP/NPEs get the boot from the EPA’s Safer Choice list ? If so, when?
  • The EPA has been talking about banning NP/NPEs for over a decade. The EU has almost eliminated them.

About half of the EPA List N: Disinfectants for Coronavirus (COVID-19) covid killing disinfectants list quaternary ammonium as the active ingredient. Quaternary ammonium, or Quats for short, have been in use for over 70 years. Because quats were on the market when the 1976 TSCA was passed, they were allowed to stay on the market without being evaluated for safety. Many in the chemical community are questioning their safety, especially given the rise in use since the Covid pandemic begin.

Disclaimer: The author is not a chemist. Due to the complicated subject matter, readers may want to further educate themselves about chemicals in disinfectants using a variety of government and non-government sources.

Resources:

About ESG Safe: ESG Safe offers businesses sanitizing, environmental improvement and PPE solutions compatible with corporate environmental social governance goals, while improving public safety and our planet. ESG Safe’s lead disinfectant has a Covid kill rate of 60 seconds and is safe for all commercial and residential needs. ESG Safe is a Women Business Enterprise, Small Business Enterprise.

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