March 5, 2008 — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has settled with ATEN Technology, Inc., of Irvine, CA, for US$208,000 for selling unregistered pesticides and making unproven claims about their effectiveness, according to an EPA news release. ATEN was acting on behalf of its subsidiary IOGEAR, which the EPA said made unverified claims that its coating on keyboard and mouse accessories would eliminate pathogens and kill bacteria.

The EPA accused IOGEAR of making unsubstantiated public health claims regarding unregistered products, and their ability to control germs and pathogens—a violation of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act.

IOGEAR products at issue were: wireless laser mouse with nanoshield coating, laser travel mouse with nanocoating technology, and wireless RF keyboard and mouse combinations. After being contacted by the EPA, IOGEAR stopped making claims that their computer peripherals protect against germs.

Products that kill or repel bacteria or germs are considered pesticides and must be registered with the EPA prior to distribution or sale. According to the EPA, the agency will not register a pesticide until it has been tested to show that it will not pose an unreasonable risk when used according to the directions. Consumers should be careful to look for the EPA registration number printed on product labels and to follow the directions for safe use.

This enforcement action was based on a tip, and ensuing inspection will be conducted by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation, the release said.