Pesticide Death = Small Fine

According to an EPA press release today, the pesticide-caused death of a Florence women is only worth $4550. That's the maximum penalty the EPA can seek under FIFRA, the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act.

Swanson’s Pest Management, Inc., of Eugene reached a $4550 settlement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) after the alleged misapplication of pesticides led to the death of 76 year old Florence Kolbeck in 2005. Her husband and several other people who entered the home also became sick.

Scott Downey, EPA Pesticides and Toxics Unit Manager in Seattle, said "the facts of the case are startling…and tragic," according to the EPA's press release.

Downey said, "We believe that three serious mistakes were made: the pesticide wasn’t mixed according to directions, it was misapplied as a fine mist instead of a coarse spray, and the home was not adequately ventilated after application. Sadly, when someone entered the home over two hours later, they were overcome by the fumes and tragically died as a result."

The pesticide was Conquer Residential Insecticide Concentrate, active ingredient esfenvalerate, and ULD BP-100 Contact Insecticide, active ingredient pyrethrin.

Swanson's Pest Control is the same company that caused an uproar also in 2005 when when it rid a Creswell mobile home park of cats by trapping and shooting them.