Pesticide

A pesticide is a chemical, or sometimes biological agent such as a virus or bacteria, used to control, to repel, to attract, or to kill pests, which are organisms, including insects, weeds, birds, mammals, fish, and microbes, that compete with humans for food, destroy property, spread disease, or are considered a nuisance. Pesticides are usually, but not always, poisonous to humans.

Regulation

In the US, all materials intended for sale and use as pesticides must be registered with the EPA. The process may be long, complex, and expensive, because research must prove that the material is effective against the intended pest, yet safe to use. During the registration process a pesticide label is created, which has directions for proper use of the material. Use inconsistent with the label is pesticide misuse.

Related Topics:
US - EPA - Pesticide misuse

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Some pesticides are considered too hazardous for sale to the general public, and these are designated restricted use pesticides. Only certified applicators, who have taken a course and passed an examination, may purchase or apply restricted use pesticides. Records of sales and use are kept, and can be audited by the EPA.

Related Topics:
Hazard - Restricted use pesticides

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"Read and follow label directions." is often quoted by extension agents, garden columnists and others teaching about pesticides. This is not merely good advice; it is the law, for the USA. Similar laws exist in much of the rest of the world. The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act of 1972 (FIFRA) set up the current system of pesticide regulations. It was amended somewhat by the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996. Its purpose is to make pesticide manufacture, distribution and use as safe as possible. The most important point for users to understand is that it a violation to apply any pesticide in a manner not in accordance with the label for that pesticide. It is a crime to do so intentionally.

Related Topics:
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act - 1972 - Food Quality Protection Act of 1996 - Crime

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