Comment Log Display

Dear Ms. Coombs:

As someone involved in the California pest control industry, I am
gravely concerned about a petition pending before the California
Air Resources Board (CARB) asking CARB to essentially ban the use
of sulfuryl fluoride in California. I strongly oppose a ban on the
use of sulfuryl fluoride in California, which would result in a
multitude of unintended, yet devastating consequences to the health
and safety of millions of California residents, the California
economy, and my business.

Sulfuryl fluoride fumigation is the only proven way to completely
eradicate termites when they infest residential and commercial
structures. It is also highly effective in eliminating bed bugs,
cockroaches, and rodents. Although many termite companies conduct
spot or alternative treatments as needed and appropriate, these
other treatments are not as effective, especially if pest
infestations are well established and difficult to locate or
reach.

In the real world, structural pests like termites, if left
unchecked, can destroy and weaken buildings to the point they are
uninhabitable, unsellable, and unsafe. We provide sulfuryl fluoride
fumigations for many reasons, including:

To provide certainty to banks and buyers that properties are free
from termites and other pests as part of real estate transactions.

To eliminate pests that compromise the structural integrity of
buildings and make them vulnerable to earthquakes.

To help revitalize communities by preserving existing buildings and
houses.

To eliminate bed bugs, cockroaches, and rodents, which can cause
serious public health issues, from a wide range of buildings,
including:

Homes, apartments, and condominiums, including low-income housing
and homes and communities for senior citizens.

Homeless shelters.

Libraries, community centers, government offices, and other
publicly accessible buildings.
 

Banning sulfuryl fluoride in California would also put hundreds of
Latino business owners and employees out of work. Latinos own an
estimated 70 percent of structural fumigation businesses, and about
90 percent of the workforce is Latino. Our industry provides a
living wage and opportunities for advancement to many immigrants
and those without college educations.

Sulfuryl fluoride fumigation provides an essential and critical
public service. In making your decision, please consider the many
benefits of sulfuryl fluoride and the serious ramifications that
would result from banning sulfuryl fluoride in California. Thank
you for your time.

Original File Name:

Date and Time Comment Was Submitted: 2023-01-11 10:44:43