"EPA Tightens Rules on Pesticide Linked To Deaths"

"SALT LAKE CITY -- Federal officials have moved quickly to clamp down on the use of potent rodent-killing pesticides after one was linked to the deaths of two Utah girls earlier this year.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said aluminum and magnesium fumigants can no longer be used near homes. The agency added other regulations about where they can be used outside and what kinds of warnings must be posted when the fumigants are applied.

EPA officials said Thursday they had planned to review the pesticides in the coming years as part of normal procedures. ...

Four-year-old Rebecca Toone and her 15-month-old sister, Rachel, died in February after an exterminator treated their yard in Layton with poison-laced pellets used to kill rodents. Investigators said they believe toxic phosphine gas from the pellets seeped into the home and sickened the girls."

Mike Stark reports for the Associated Press April 8, 2010.