6 Vermont Homes Evacuated After Banned Pesticide Used

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture says six Rutland households have had to relocate after an exterminator used a banned pesticide to get rid of bedbugs.

Cary Giguere says the chemical, Chlorpyrifos, can cause nervous system and developmental disorders. It has been banned since 2001.

Vermont Public Radio says the state has called the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for help.

The state has identified 262 potential homes and apartments that need to be tested for the chemical, all in Rutland County. So far, 92 samples have been sent to the state’s lab.

Officials think the most serious contamination has already been found.