EPA issues order to stop sale of unregistered pesticide

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued an order to three Florida companies to prevent the sale, use or removal of OxiTitan and other products with the same formulation, as they have not been tested and registered.

EcoActive Surfaces, Inc., WellShield, LLC, and BioRelief, Inc., have been marketing and selling OxiTitan to sites including schools and hospitals, claiming that its zinc nanoparticle active ingredient reduces or kills bacteria, viruses and fungi. Marketing materials have also made claims that its effects can last up to one year, despite the product never gaining EPA approval.

The EPA puts a high priority on actions related to pesticides that do not comply with their regulations, and OxiTitan qualifies as a pesticide due to its bacteria and germ-killing active ingredient. Products that fall under that category must be tested to ensure that -- when used according to directions provided on the labeling -- they do not present an unreasonable risk.

As products like this are not easily judged for effectiveness and safety by the general public, these EPA actions are important when it comes to ensuring that the products actually fulfill their claims.