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SALT LAKE CITY -- The deaths of two Layton sisters after their home was treated for a rodent pesticide sent shock waves through the state. Those shock waves reached federal regulators who, after the girls' deaths, decided to change pesticide regulations.
The Environmental Protection Agency has come out with new rules for pesticides near homes. The change comes two months after 4-year-old Rebecca Toone and her 15-month-old sister died from complications with exposure to a pesticide in their Layton home.
In early February, a pesticide technician applied toxic levels of a vole killer close to the Toone home. The sisters died shortly after. While officials speculated their deaths were from phosphine gas poisoning, the medical examiner's office has now informed police that is indeed their cause of death.
In a statement released by the Layton City Police Department, the medical examiner found "elevated phosphorous levels" in the girls' lungs and that the damage done to their little bodies was consistent with inhaling a harmful substance.
EPA Public Affairs Specialist Richard Mylott told KSL this specific case sparked significant changes to how the pesticide is used.
"The tragic accident that occurred in Layton did lead our agency to raise our level of concern regarding the use of these fumigants," he said. "It's something that certainly put this on a fast track, in terms of wanting to restrict these products further."
The product isn't being banned completely. "Basically, the warning labels for these products are being revised, meaning that their uses are being further restricted to protect human health and the environment."
Mylott said all pesticides with aluminum and magnesium phosphide are banned in residential areas and buffer zones in non-residential applications were expanded.
"There is an agreement with the manufacturers and distributors to make sure the word gets out on these new restrictions," Mylott explained.
Mylott also said the Toone sisters' deaths aren't the only deaths related to the pesticide.
"It certainly was one of the most alarming driving factors, but there are other incidences involving these products that have caused alarm across the country as well," he said.
The Toone family issued a statement saying they "applaud any efforts by government officials to continually seek to improve the safety of our community." [CLICK HERE to read the complete statement]
The Davis County Attorney's Office confirms it received the medical examiner's report. Attorneys will meet with Davis County prosecutors early next week to determine if they want to file charges. The suspect's name has not been released.
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Story compiled with contributions from Paul Nelson and Jennifer Stagg.
