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PA FUMIGATOR CHARGED WITH PESTICIDE MISUSE
Release Date: 06/27/97
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FOR RELEASE: FRIDAY, JUNE 27, 1997
FUMIGATOR CHARGED WITH PESTICIDE MISUSE
Ruben Brown, an unlicensed pesticide applicator from Bellwood, Ill., was charged with two counts of violating the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act on June 20, in U.S. District Court in Chicago, Ill. Brown allegedly applied the pesticide methyl parathion inside homes in the Chicago area in June and July 1996. Methyl parathion is highly toxic to the nervous system and can be absorbed through the skin. Exposure can result in vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions and death. It is approved only for outdoor agricultural use. If convicted, Brown faces a maximum of up to two years imprisonment and/or fines up to $200,000. He may also be ordered to pay restitution. The case was investigated by EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division and the FBI with the assistance of EPA’s National Enforcement Investigations Center.
R-96 # # #
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