Gretchen Schaefer
202.833.7311
Statement from CSPA President Regarding EPA Examination
of Pet Pesticide Products
WASHINGTON, DC (May 28, 2009) – The following statement was issued by Chris Cathcart, President of the Consumer Specialty Products Association (CSPA), in response to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) examination of spot-on flea and tick pesticide products for pets due to increased public inquiries and reported adverse-reaction incidences in 2008.
“Pets are an important part of many people’s lives, and these products are designed to help protect their well-being. Member companies of the Consumer Specialty Products Association that make spot-on pesticide products are working closely with the EPA to provide the agency with additional information to help shed light on the increase in incidences. Our member companies provide these products to help protect pets from dangerous diseases that can be transmitted by fleas and ticks. It is critical that pet owners applying these spot-on pesticides read and follow the label instructions to ensure the products are used properly.
“Pesticide products sold in the U.S. are regulated by the EPA under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). EPA reviews data submitted by the pesticide applicant and approves the directions for use, storage and disposal, and hazard warnings and precautions on the product label. Additionally, companies are required under FIFRA to report all incidences to the EPA. We are committed to working cooperatively with EPA to help address this issue.”
About CSPA
The Consumer Specialty Products Association (CSPA) is the premier trade association representing the interests of approximately 240 companies engaged in the manufacture, formulation, distribution and sale of approximately $80 billion annually in the U.S. of hundreds of familiar consumer products that help household, institutional and industrial customers create cleaner and healthier environments. Our products include disinfectants that kill germs in homes, hospitals and restaurants; candles, fragrances and air fresheners that eliminate odors; pest management products for home, garden and pets; cleaning products for use throughout the home; products used to protect and improve the performance and appearance of automobiles; and a host of other products used every day. Through its product stewardship program Product CareSM, scientific and business-to-business endeavors, CSPA provides its members a platform to effectively address issues regarding the health, safety, sustainability and environmental impacts of their products. For more information, please visit www.cspa.org.
