Feds tell Ohio no on bedbug chemical

COLUMBUS (AP) — For now, federal officials are standing firm against letting Ohio fight bedbugs in homes with an industrial-strength pesticide.

An official with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says it’s concerned about children being exposed to Propoxur, because EPA research has found their nervous systems could be harmed.

Representatives of the U.S. EPA and other federal agencies met Wednesday with Ohio officials grappling with the state’s serious bedbug problem.

The state says the bloodsucking pests are popping up in homes as well as public places such as movie theaters.

The Ohio Department of Agriculture says the state wants an OK on Propoxur because residents are hurting themselves misusing dangerous chemicals to attack bedbugs.