Pesticide FAQ
Pesticides are primarily designed to kill pests such as insects, vermin, and mammals who prey on crops. Many pesticides also pose a health risk to humans and household pets. Generally speaking, the amount of pesticides the average person encounters is too small an amount to pose a major risk. To determine the level of pesticide risk, pesticide consumers and users must consider both the toxicity (or hazard) of the pesticide and the likelihood of exposure. A low level of exposure to a very toxic pesticide may be no more dangerous than a high level of exposure to a relatively low toxicity pesticide, for example.
What are the potential health effects of pesticides?
The type of pesticide determines its safety and health risks. Organophosphates and carbamates affect the nervous system; other pesticides may irritate the skin or eyes; while others yet may be considered carcinogens or affect the hormone or endocrine system in the body.
How do the EPA and other government regulators determine how pesticides may affect humans and whether they are acceptable?
The EPA's assessment of health risks of pesticides includes a determination regarding the "reasonable certainty of no harm" posed by pesticide residues allowed to remain on processed food. Before approving a pesticide, the EPA sets limits on how the pesticide may be used, how often it may be used, what protective clothing or equipment must be used, and so on. These limits are designed to protect public health and the environment.
A major consideration in approving pesticides for use is whether they pose an unreasonable risk to humans. The EPA assesses such risks associated with individual pesticide active ingredients, as well as with groups of pesticides that have a common toxic effect. This latter assessment is known as "cumulative risk assessment" and is designed to evaluate the risk associated with exposure at one time to multiple pesticides that act the same way in the body.
How does the EPA use information on toxicity and health effects of pesticides?
The degree of toxicity helps determine what precautions must appear on the label of a particular pesticide. These can include:
- the use of protective clothing
- the "signal word" (caution, warning, danger)
- the first aid statements
- whether the pesticide may be used only by specially trained and certified applicators (restricted use pesticides)
The pesticide toxicity categories are determined by the effects caused if the pesticide is consumed, inhaled, or placed in contact with the skin.
Where can I get information on health risks of pesticides I have in my home?
The National Pesticide Information Center provides objective, science-based information about a variety of pesticide-related subjects, including pesticide products, recognition and management of pesticide poisonings, toxicology, and environmental chemistry. NPIC also lists state pesticide regulatory agencies and provides links to their web sites. NPIC can be contacted by phone at 1-800-858-7378 or by e-mail at npic@ace.orst.edu.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury, illness, or death that you suspect is linked to pesticides, call VanDerGinst Law at 1-866-843-7367 or click here for a FREE online case evaluation. The initial consultation is free of charge. If we agree to handle your injury case, we will work on a contingency fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if, and when, there is a money recovery for you. In many cases a lawsuit must be filed before an applicable expiration date, known as a statute of limitations. So please call right away to ensure that you do not waive your right to possible compensation.
