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Newark business used wrong chemicals in residences in four counties
A Newark pest control business has been ordered to clean up 70 houses and apartments in Essex, Middlesex, Hudson, and Union counties where it used chemicals not appropriate for indoors in spraying for bedbugs and other insects.
The state Department of Environmental Protection announced Friday that it has issued an order to TVF Pest Control requiring TVF to return to the residences and remove residues of the improperly applied pesticides.
Specific cleanup directions order that any mattresses or childrens' toys that have been sprayed with the inappropriate pesticides must be thrown away and not reused.
Residents are advised to contact local or state health officials or the DEP if TVF has applied a liquid spray to control insects in their residence or building.
The order directed Josimar Ferreira, owner and operator of TVF, based at 514 Market Street, and Javier Godoy, who made the pesticide in question, to immediately cease all applications using the two chemicals. It ordered the company to promptly begin a cleanup of all affected residences. That cleanup work has begun.Sampling will be conducted by an independent contractor or the DEP to ensure proper cleaning.
A DEP investigation has determined residences in Newark, Elizabeth, Jersey City, Harrison, Kearny, Perth Amboy and Linden, South River and Avenel were treated by TVF since October. The DEP is still working to determine if any other buildings or residences were serviced by that company with an improper pesticide mix.
Chemicals used by TVF not appropriate for indoor use are Malathion and Carbaryl. A third substance, Cypermethrin, also was used but can be legitimately applied indoors if done properly. The DEP is examining use of that substance by TVF.
Malathion and Carbaryl are readily absorbed through the skin. Symptoms of exposure range from headaches and nausea and dizziness to muscle twitching and vomiting.
Efforts are being made to visit each of the known affected sites and notify potentially affected residents via English, Spanish and Portuguese language pamphlets. The Ironbound Community Corp. in Newark is assisting with the effort.
"This company demonstrated a total disregard for public health and safety," said Wolf Skacel, DEP assistant commissioner for compliance and enforcement. "It's important that anyone who used this company get in touch with us or health officials. We want to make sure that a full cleanup takes place.''
An investigation of TVF began in New Jersey last month after the DEP was alerted by Massachusetts officials that the company was the subject of a federal Environmental Protection Agency probe in that state regarding indoor use of pesticides to combat bedbugs.
On June 16, the DEP began to investigate TVF's operation in New Jersey. Subsequent sampling of a large tank on a company service vehicle and a backpack sprayer showed the presence of Malathion and Carbaryl.
No determination has been made at this point regarding possible fines or penalties that could be imposed on the company.
New Jerseyans with questions can call the DEP at (609) 984-6568. Spanish-speaking persons can call (609) 984-6914; the state Department of Health at 609-826-4920; or the state Poison Information and Education System at 1-800-222-1222.
– TOM HESTER SR., NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM
