Devices get reclassified as pesticides

摘要

CERTAIN WASHING MACHINE MANUFACTURERS probably didn't think they needed to register their products as pesticides when designing and making them.However,this is exactly what they'll be required to do under 72 Fed.Reg.54039,which the U.S.Environmental Protection Agency(EPA)clarified on September 21.Washing machines using silver electrodes to produce silver ions to kill germs are considered"pesticides,"not"devices,"and such equipment will be regulated as pesticides,states EPA.While this may not sound like big news,it could mean that household appliances such as washing machines as well as even some industrial equipment may need to be registered as pesticides if certain product claims are made.Here's why.