What Are Pesticides?

• Substances intended to prevent, destroy, repel, or mitigate pests.

• Includes: Insecticides, Herbicides, Fungicides, Rodenticides, and more.

• Legal Definition: Under U.S. law, defined by intended use, not chemical structure or toxicity.

Pesticides Are Everywhere

Examples of everyday pesticide products:

• Kitchen disinfectants

• Mosquito repellents

• Antibacterial soaps

• Pet flea/tick treatments

• Lawn and garden weed killers

Note: Most people don’t realize these are pesticides under the law.

What Is a Pest?

EPA Definition:

• Any organism that appears where it’s not wanted or causes damage.

• Includes: insects, rodents, weeds, fungi, bacteria, viruses (excluding those inside people/animals)

Substances vs. Devices

Pesticides:

• Work via a substance (chemical or microbial)

Devices (not registered, but regulated):

• Traps

• UV zappers

• Ultrasonic repellers

Who Regulates Pesticides?

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

• Administers FIFRA (Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act)

• Regulates:

  • Labeling

  • Registration

  • Risk assessments

  • Use restrictions

Pesticides in Agriculture

Why they matter:

• Boost yields by reducing crop loss

• Control invasive weeds and pests

• Ensure food security for growing populations

Pesticides in Public Health

• Control of disease vectors: Mosquitoes (malaria), ticks (Lyme), rodents (plague)

• Disinfectants reduce bacteria and viruses on surfaces

• Reduce risks in hospitals, restaurants, and public areas

Risks & Concerns

• Environmental contamination

• Human health risks (especially for applicators)

• Harm to pollinators and wildlife

• Development of pest resistance

The Balancing Act

• Benefits: Crop protection, public health, lower food costs

• Risks: Toxicity, persistence, ecosystem effects

• FIFRA's Role: Weighs risk vs. benefit to allow or deny use