News Releases from Region 04

EPA Takes Action to Protect the Public from an Unregistered Pesticide/EPA issues order to stop the sale of OxiTitan

ATLANTA - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued an order to EcoActive Surfaces, Inc. in Pompano Beach, Fla.; WellShield, LLC in Boca Raton, Fla.; and, BioRelief, Inc. in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. to stop the sale, use or removal of "OxiTitan." The order includes other trade names such as "Bio Defender OxiTitan Anti-Microbial Treatment," and any related products containing the same formulation. OxiTitan is being marketed by these companies for use in sites that include hospitals and schools.

The companies claim in advertisements and labeling that OxiTitan uses zinc nanoparticle as an active ingredient, to reduce and/or kill bacteria, viruses and fungi. The companies also make unsubstantiated efficacy claims that "OxiTitan" can last for 24 hours, 7 days a week, and as long as a year against harmful microorganisms and viruses when applied. Such public health claims can only be made on products that have been properly tested and are registered with the EPA.

Under federal pesticide law, products that contain a pesticide as an active ingredient or claim to kill or repel bacteria or germs are considered pesticides and must be registered with the EPA prior to distribution or sale. The Agency will not register a pesticide until it has been determined that it will not pose an unreasonable risk when used according to the label directions.

The EPA is committed to ensuring that products making public health claims in the marketplace meet stringent effectiveness and safety standards, since the public cannot readily determine with the naked eye the effectiveness and safety of antimicrobial pesticides. Due to potential human health implications if the pesticides are not effective or meet our safety standards, the EPA continues to place a priority on actions regarding non-complying pesticides.

For additional information about pesticides, visit: http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/.

Connect with EPA Region 4 on Facebook: www.facebook.com/eparegion4

And on Twitter: @EPASoutheast