The U.S. government announced Thursday that it imposed a $210,000 fine on two pesticide distributors in Puerto Rico as part of a widespread probe into a toxic pesticide that nearly killed an American family in the neighboring U.S. Virgin Islands. The distributors, identified as Superior-Angran LLC and Superior Angran Caribbean Inc., also were ordered to train pesticide applicators as part of a deal that settles alleged violations of the Clean Air Act, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said. The EPA said it found that Puerto Rico-based applicators then illegally used the pesticide, adding they would not have been able to buy it had Superior-Angran required a certification. Authorities determined Terminix used methyl bromide at a vacation unit below the one the family had rented. Exposure to high levels of methyl bromide can cause headaches, dizziness, fainting and even paralysis and death.

Source: ABC News August 18, 2016 21:18 UTC