What are pesticides?

Pesticides are chemicals designed to kill a variety of pests such as insects (insecticides), unwanted plants or weeds (herbicides), fungi (fungicides) and rodents (rodenticides). Products used to kill bacteria and viruses are also classified as pesticides. These include disinfectants, cleansers, bleaches, toilet bowl cleaner, and mould and mildew remover.

Pesticides include not only man-made chemicals, but also naturally occurring chemicals, biological materials and mechanical, electric or electronic devices.

By design, pesticides are toxic to living organisms. Some pesticides are selective in that they will kill only a specific type of pest. For example, some herbicides work by interfering with photosynthesis, a process that only occurs in plants. For this reason, these herbicides will not affect humans or other animals. However, other pesticides are not as selective, and can be harmful to other organisms such as butterflies or humans.

Pesticides contain both "active" and "inactive" ingredients. The active ingredients are designed to kill the pests, while the inactive ingredients are added to dilute or dissolve the mixture in order to make it easier to use. By law, companies who make pesticides have to list the active ingredients on the label, but not all inactive ingredients have to be listed. Some inactive ingredients found in pesticides can be more harmful to the health of humans, pets or other organisms than the active ingredient. One example is benzene, which is known to cause cancer.

Chemical Pesticides - How they could affect your health

At high levels of exposure, pesticides are toxic, and improperly stored pesticide products can be a source of accidental poisoning in children. Symptoms of poisoning include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Numbness
• Muscle fatigue
• Blurry vision
• Rapid pulse

Lower levels of exposure to pesticides can also produce symptoms, including:

• Diarrhea, rash, fever, headache, respiratory difficulties
• Allergic skin reactions and swelling of mucous membranes in the eyes, nose, throat, and mouth

Possible long-term health effects of pesticide exposure may include:

• Cancer
• Acute and chronic injury to the nervous system
• Neuromuscular and mental deficits
• Lung damage
• Reproductive problems such as infertility or hormonal interference
• Compromised immune system

How do children come into contact with pesticides?

• By playing on lawns or in gardens where cosmetic pesticides have been used to control weeds and insects
• Through the application of bug spray or other personal insect repellants
• Through pet flea and tick products
• Through application of some head lice treatments containing lindane
• Through pesticides being tracked into the home or child care setting on the bottom of shoes
• Through transfer of pesticides from the parental workplace either in production, or application (either cosmetic or agricultural).

How can we reduce children's exposure to pesticides?

1. Avoid using pesticides indoors, outdoors, on pets or on humans. This is especially important for pregnant or nursing women. Prenatal exposure to pesticides is associated with a higher rate of fetal death, particularly when pesticide application occurred during weeks 3 to 8 of pregnancy.
   
2. Choose alternatives to chemical lawn and garden care. These are not only healthier, but are more economical as well. Healthy lawns and soils are less likely to have pest and disease problems than weak or chemical-dependent ones. Set your lawn mower's cutting height higher than normal, and leave the clippings on the lawn after you mow. Proper watering, aeration, over-seeding and application of compost will also produce excellent results. Or consider planting hardier ground covers such as periwinkle, clover, thyme or ajuga, or prairie grasses or wildflowers that require less water. In the garden, organic pest controls can be made from common ingredients. For tips on organic pest control, please consult Environment Canada's fact sheet at www.atl.ec.gc.ca/epb/factsheets/pesticides/altern.html .
   
3. Parents and others working with pesticides should shower and change their clothes before entering a home or child care environment. Be sure to wear protective clothing if you are working with pesticides.
   
4. If you plan to use chemical pesticide products, use appropriate safety precautions. Be sure to follow all directions on the pesticide product, do not use more than is recommended, and avoid mixing pesticide products. Do not apply pesticides or lawn care chemicals when children (or pets) are present. Keep children off of grass or other areas where pesticides have been applied for as long as is recommended, and longer if possible. If using pesticide products in a kitchen, remove or protect all food, cookware and kitchen utensils. If fumigating a home or child care environment, remove or protect all toys, furniture, cushions, carpets, drapery, bedding and pillows. For more information please consult Health Canada's fact sheet on Pesticide Use In and Around the Home at www.hc-sc.gc.ca/pmra-arla/english/pdf/pnotes/homeuse-e.pdf
   
5. Control pests indoors by preventing them from entering your home or child care environment in the first place. You can do this by removing the elements they require to survive. Here are a number of practical tips:
   • Store all food in sealed glass or plastic containers and in a dry place.
   • Keep kitchen areas clean and free from cooking grease and oil.
   • Empty and clean all pet food and water bowls regularly.
   • Place a tight lid on garbage cans and empty these frequently.
   • Compost kitchen scraps in a proper composter outside.
   • Clean and rinse recyclables before they are placed in Blue Box.
   • Fix leaking drains and dripping water taps.
   • Plug and caulk all holes or cracks in your home around windows, doors and foundations.
   • Install properly fitting screens on all floor drains, windows and doors.
   • Keep doors shut when not in use.
   • Make sure to sweep or vacuum dust out of all corners.