EPA tightens regulations on pesticide linked to deaths of 2 young Utah sisters

EPA tightens rules on pesticide linked to deaths

SALT LAKE CITY — Federal officials have tightened regulations on a pesticide linked to the deaths of two Utah girls.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says aluminum and magnesium fumigants can no longer be used near homes. The agency added other regulations about where it can be used outside and what kinds of warnings must be posted when it’s been applied.

EPA officials said Thursday they had planned to review the pesticide in the coming years but sped up the process after the Utah deaths. The new changes went into effect Wednesday.

Four-year-old Rebecca Toone and her 15-month-old sister, Rachel, died in February after an exterminator treated their yard in Layton with poison-laced pellets used to kill rodents. Investigators said they believe toxic phosphine gas from the pellets seeped into the home and sickened the girls.