Terminix Fined $10 Million Over Fumigation Poisoning Case

Terminix has agreed to pay $10 million for illegally using a pesticide containing a toxic chemical in the U.S. Virgin Islands, federal officials said.

 

The plea deal comes more than a year after a family of four vacationing in the U.S. Virgin Islands fell seriously ill when the unit below them was fumigated, CNN reported.

 

"Terminix companies knowingly failed to properly manage their pest control operations in the U.S. Virgin Islands, allowing pesticides containing methyl bromide to be applied illegally and exposing a family of four to profoundly debilitating injuries," U.S. Assistant Attorney General John C. Cruden said in a statement Tuesday.

 

Terminix did not immediately respond to CNN's request for comment.

 

The plea agreement, which must be approved by a district court judge, includes $8 million in criminal fines, $1 million in restitution and a $1 million community service project for Terminix International Company and its U.S. Virgin Islands operation, the U.S. Justice Department said.

 

Source: CNN.com