Company Fined for Claiming Ball-Point Pen Kills Germs

Dec. 6, 1999
EPA fined company for selling unregistered pesticides and making unproven claims about their effectiveness.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has settled an enforcement action with Micro Pen of U.S.A. Inc., Buena Park, Calif., for selling unregistered pesticides and making unproven claims about their effectiveness. In violation of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act, Micro Pen will pay a penalty of $35,000.

"Unregistered means unknown: we don't know what's in it and we don't know what it will do to people," said Pam Cooper, chief of the Pesticide Program at the EPA's regional office. "EPA's responsibility is to make sure that products containing pesticides have been properly evaluated and provide the information consumers need to use them safely."

Micro Pen was cited for selling an unregistered ball point pen, Micro Cleen-Ball pen, which the company claimed contains an antibacterial agent in the pen body. The label said that the pen would reduce the chance of bacterial infections such as food poisoning; skin, eye, and ear infections; bronchitis; and urinary tract infections. It also claimed it would contribute to healthier environments in day care centers, hospitals, laboratories and military facilities.

EPA has no evidence that products which incorporate pesticides prevent the spread of germs and bacteria in humans.

Cooper said EPA is especially concerned about such unverified public health claims because they may encourage people to skip proper hygiene. She cautioned that consumers shouldn't rely on antibacterial claims as a substitute for common-sense hygienic practices, such as washing hands frequently.

Manufacturers who claim their product prevents, destroys or repels any pest must register that product as a pesticide with EPA. The agency does not register a pesticide until it is tested to show that it will not pose an unreasonable risk when used according to the directions.

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EHS Today Staff

EHS Today's editorial staff includes:

Dave Blanchard, Editor-in-Chief: During his career Dave has led the editorial management of many of Endeavor Business Media's best-known brands, including IndustryWeekEHS Today, Material Handling & LogisticsLogistics Today, Supply Chain Technology News, and Business Finance. In addition, he serves as senior content director of the annual Safety Leadership Conference. With over 30 years of B2B media experience, Dave literally wrote the book on supply chain management, Supply Chain Management Best Practices (John Wiley & Sons, 2021), which has been translated into several languages and is currently in its third edition. He is a frequent speaker and moderator at major trade shows and conferences, and has won numerous awards for writing and editing. He is a voting member of the jury of the Logistics Hall of Fame, and is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.

Adrienne Selko, Senior Editor: In addition to her roles with EHS Today and the Safety Leadership Conference, Adrienne is also a senior editor at IndustryWeek and has written about many topics, with her current focus on workforce development strategies. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics. Previously she was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck?, which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list.

Nicole Stempak, Managing Editor:  Nicole Stempak is managing editor of EHS Today and conference content manager of the Safety Leadership Conference.

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