ALERT: DDVP BROUGHT INTO THE U.S

Safety Risks of
DDVP

DDVP could present a danger to
U.S. Customs and Border Pro
tection (CBP) agents at ports if
there were to be a leak. Those
exposed might possibly expe
rience perspiration, nausea,
vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness,
fatigue, headache, and at very
high concentrations, convulsions
and coma.

SNIPER	NOPEST

Background

To be sold or distributed in the
United States, most pesticides
must be registered by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA). Bringing illegal, unregis-
tered pesticides, such as those
pictured, into the United States
is illegal (FIFRA § 12(a)(1)(A)).

EPA has seen an increase in
unregistered DDVP pesticide
products being brought into the
country on international flights.
Among the most common are
those under the brand names
"Sniper" or "Nopest."

The active ingredient in these
products is dichlorvos (2,2-di-
chlorovinyi dimethyl phosphate),
also known as DDVP, an organo-
phosphate pesticide. The clear-
to-amber-colored liquid is being
brought into the country illegally
for distribution or personal use
against pests such as bedbugs,
cockroaches and rodents.

EPA has restricted the use of
DDVP and other organophos-
phates in the United States be-
cause of dangers they present to
human health.

What to Do in Case of
Exposure

If you see someone overcome by
DDVP fumes, move that person
to fresh air or administer oxygen
and call 911. If the person's
heart has stopped, administer
CPR (chest compression alone
is acceptable). If clothing or skin
comes in direct contact with
DDVP, remove contaminated
clothing and rinse skin with plen-
ty of water for 15-20 minutes.

Please contact EPA if you need
further assistance at:

h ttos: / / go. u s a. gov/x Af i z

Proper Follow-Up

CBP agents who find DDVP (or suspected DDVP)
should confiscate the product and detain the person
transporting it until they have full identifying and con-
tact information. CBP should then contact the relevant
EPA regional office or the state lead agency for pesti-
cides to inform them of the incident.

When handling these containers, CBP agents should
treat them as dangerous even if there are no obvious
signs of leakage. For their protection, agents should
wear the following PPE:

• Protective eye wear (goggles or face shield);

•	Long-sleeved shirts, long pants, shoes and socks;

•	Chemical-resistant gloves and headgear; and

•	A NIOSH-approved respirator with either:

•	An organic vapor-removing cartridge with
a pre filter approved for pesticides,

•	A canister approved for pesticides, or

•	An organic vapor-removing cartridge with
a pre filter.

Confiscated containers should be placed in an airtight
receptacle for disposal. Containers can be incinerat-
ed, but they should be disposed of in accordance with
state and local requirements. If necessary, contact the
iocai waste management facility to determine where
to dispose of this hazardous material.

vvEPA

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