Pesticide Fact Sheets - Safety, Dangers, Composition, Chemical, Basics and More

2,4-D - INDUSTRY TASK FORCE II ON 2,4-D RESEARCH DATA - 2,4-D, a member of the phenoxy family of herbicides, was the first selective herbicide developed. After 50 years of use, 2,4-D is still the third most widely used herbicide in the United States and Canada, and the most widely used worldwide.
ATSDR/EPA Top 20 Hazardous Substances - ATSDR/EPA Annual Priority List. Includes five or six pesticides including DDT, Dieldrin, Chlordane. This annual evaluation activity fulfills the conditions of CERCLA section 104 (i), as amended, which requires ATSDR and EPA to revise the priority list of hazardous substances (N=275) periodically to include additional hazardous substances. Each chemical is identified with a Rank Number and includes an ATSDR Public Health Statement. The Public Health Statements were prepared by the ATSDR Division of Toxicology. They provide general information on the properties of the chemical and answer many health concerns that are voiced by community groups.
ATSDR Toxicologic Profiles and Public Health Statements (Full listings) - This full priority list of hazardous substances for 2003 can be accessed through the ATSDR HazDat database at U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.
ATSDR ToxFAQs - TSDR ToxFAQs is a series of summaries about hazardous substances being developed by the ATSDR Division of Toxicology. Several dozen chemicals, many of which are pesticides. Information for this series is excerpted from the ATSDR Toxicological Profiles and Public Health Statements. Each fact sheet serves as a quick and easy to understand guide. Answers are provided to the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about exposure to hazardous substances found around hazardous waste sites and the effects of exposure on human health. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.
ATSDR's Toxicological Profile Information Sheets - PDF format. (To obtain a free copy of Adobe Acrobat^® Reader for viewing PDF files, please visit Adobe.)
Acephate (Orthene) - Product information, health effects, environmental impact. (1993)

Anthrax - Fact sheets on chemicals used in federal anthrax decontamination efforts.
Antimicrobial Pesticide Products - Antimicrobials are used to destroy organisms such as bacteria or fungi on inanimate objects. Antimicrobials can be found in products such as disinfectants and antiseptics. This page provides a description of the usage and types of Antimicrobial products. It also discusses EPA's regulation of antimicrobials.

Applicability of the "Treated Articles Exemption" to Antimicrobial Pesticides - Pesticide Registration Notice 2000-1 concerns EPA's policy with respect to the applicability of the "treated articles exemption." The Notice discusses EPA's past and present on how treated articles and substances qualify for the exemption. It also discusses the distinction between public health and non-public health antimicrobial claims. This Questions & Answers document addresses what may be among the most commonly asked questions on this subject.
Assessing Health Risks from Pesticides - EPA scientists and analysts carefully review test data to determine whether to register (license) a pesticide product or a use and whether specific restrictions are necessary. This fact sheet is a brief overview of EPA's process for assessing potential risks to human health when evaluating pesticide products.

Atrazine Interim Regulatory Decision Q&A's - EPA has completed its interim reregistration eligibility decision for the pesticide atrazine. This Q&A document describes the basis for the decision on atrazine and how it will be implemented.
Azinphos-Methyl Risk Management Decision - EPA has accepted voluntary measures to reduce risks posed by azinphos-methyl to children, to agricultural workers, and to the environment.

Basic Guide to Pesticides - Basic Guide to Pesticides: Their Characteristics and Hazards. A lot of information on several dozen selected pesticides of environmental/health concern. Selected sample excerpts and pesticide clusters. They state: "For complete information on these and more than 500 additional pesticides, please refer to the Basic Guide to Pesticides." (They would like to sell you their book.) Rachel Carson Council, Inc.

Biopesticides Active Ingredient Fact Sheets - EPA.

Biopesticide Fact Sheets - Biopesticides are derived from natural sources, such as plants and animals. These fact sheets are ordered alphabetically by active ingredient.

Chemical Backgrounder Index - National Safety Council's Environmental Health Center Environment Writer. These backgrounders provide descriptions, chemical properties, health effects, economics, and regulations on various hazardous chemicals. Site provides dozens of chemical fact sheets; many pesticides are included. HTML format.

Chemicals in the Environment - Chemicals in the Environment: OPPT Chemical Fact Sheets (EPA Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics) Actually no pesticides here; these are industrial chemicals, but... Each chemical has a fact sheet and a chemical summary. In ASCII text format, some in PDF format. (To obtain a free copy of Adobe Acrobat^® Reader for viewing PDF files, please visit Adobe.)

Chlorfenapyr Review - After completing its review of the pesticide chlorfenapyr (Pirate) for use on cotton, EPA made the determination that chlorfenapyr did not meet the requirements for registration, and in response, American Cyanamid withdrew their Section 3 registration application. This Web site includes the human health and environmental risk assessments and the denial of registration decision memorandum.
Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA) and Its Use as a Wood Preservative - CCA, also known as Wolmanized wood, is used on decks, fences and playground equipment to prevent wood decay. This Web site provides the current regulatory status, as well as technical and general information regarding the handling, use, and potential hazards associated with CCA-treated wood.
- Evaluating the Wood Preservative Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA) - Describes EPA's comprehensive reassessment of the science and uses of CCA, along with some key issues under consideration.
- Consumer Safety Information Sheet: Inorganic Arsenical Pressure-Treated Wood - Provides information on the safer use and handling of CCA-treated wood.
Citizens Guide to Pest Control and Pesticide Safety - This publication teaches consumers how to control pests in and around the home, alternatives to chemical pesticides, how to choose pesticides, and how to use, store, and dispose of them safely. It also discusses how to reduce exposure when others use pesticides, how to prevent pesticide poisoning and how to handle an emergency, how to choose a pest control company, and what to do if someone is poisoned by a pesticide. (2.4 MB, PDF format)
Consumer Labeling Initiative (CLI) - CLI is a voluntary, cooperative effort designed to present clear, consistent, and useful environmental, safe use, and health information on household consumer product labels. Government and industry groups are working together to make it easier for consumers to find, read, and understand label information, thus enabling consumers to compare products and safely use the ones they select.
Consumer Products Treated with Pesticides - Many products, ranging from toothbrushes to children's toys, are treated with antimicrobial pesticides to get rid of bacteria. Before making public health pesticidal claims, such products must be approved and registered by EPA, or must be exempt from registration. There are products that have not been authorized to make health claims, which can mislead the consumer into thinking that the product is antibacterial.
Counterfeit Pesticide Products for Dogs and Cats - EPA has ordered pesticide distributors and retailers in a number of states to stop selling counterfeit pet pesticide products which falsely contain EPA Registration numbers and labeling for the "Advantage" and "Frontline" lines of pesticides. This fact sheet includes detailed information, including photos of legitimate products.

EPA Fact Sheet on New Active Ingredients

EPA Pesticide Fact Sheets - From EPA's Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP). Fact sheets contain information on specific chemicals and items involving pesticides. You can perform a search for a fact sheet on a specific topic OR you can browse through all the fact sheets.

EPA/University of Virginia EMCI Chemical References Index - Searches the EMCI Chemical References Web Pages (searches only Chemical References HTML pages) at EPA (Chemicals that are monitored by EPA's Major Program Systems: Air (AFS), Water (PCS), Hazardous Waste (RCRIS), Superfund (CERCLIS) and Toxics Release Inventory (TRIS)). "Environmental chemicals" includes some pesticides. Knowing the chemical name is REALLY helpful. This is also known as the "University of Virginia Chemical Fact Sheets" (information about range of chemicals including pesticides).

EPA OPP Databases - Query EPA's Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) databases: OPP's Registered and Cancelled Pesticide Product Database; OPP's Chemical Ingredients Database (Chemical Nomenclature, Current Products & Registrants); OPP's Company Information Database. This site is the California Dept. of Pesticide Regulation.

EPA REDs - EPA Office of Pesticide Programs Pesticide Reregistration Eligibility Decisions (REDs). This page has R.E.D. FACTS and the RED for dozens of individual pesticide active ingredients. RED documents contain the results of EPA's regulatory reviews of pesticides initially registered before November 1, 1984. Under the federal pesticide law FIFRA, EPA must review the human health and environmental effects of these older pesticide active ingredients and determine whether they are eligible for reregistration. To be "eligible", a pesticide must be found not to cause unreasonable risks to people or the environment when used in accordance with its approved labeling. All registered pesticides also must meet the safety standard of the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA), which became effective on August 3, 1996. The R.E.D FACTS are available as separates, but are also included as the first item in the full RED. The REDs are long; e.g. the RED for Bacillus thuringiensis is 177 pages. R.E.D. FACTS are shorter; The R.E.D. FACT for Bt is 6 pages long. All files in this section are in PDF format. (To obtain a free copy of Adobe Acrobat^® Reader for viewing PDF files, please visit Adobe.)

EPA and FDA Streamline Food Packaging Regulation - Because of the practice of using pesticides within food packaging, the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) responsibility of regulating food packaging would have overlapped with EPA's responsibility to regulate all pesticide products. However, a provision of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), as well as action that EPA has taken, eliminates the overlap between the two agencies.
EPA and Food Security - This page discusses EPA's primary contributions to food safety and responsibility within the United States and also contributions throughout the world. Some ways in which EPA ensures food security are through regulating the use of pesticides and setting pesticide residue tolerances.
EPA Policy for Managing Risk to Workers from Organophosphate Pesticides (OPs) - Pesticide Registration (PR) Notice (2000-9) announced EPA's approach for managing risks to workers who may be exposed to organophosphate (OP) pesticides.
Healthy Lawn, Healthy Environment: Caring for Your Lawn in an Environmentally Friendly Way - This small EPA brochure gives tips on working with nature to grow a lawn that is healthy while minimizing the use of pesticides. It also gives tips on the safe use of pesticides, when necessary, on choosing a lawn care service, and where to find more information on this subject. (1.7 MB, in PDF format)
Insect Repellent DEET - DEET is an ingredient used in many insect repellents. This page discusses EPA's actions concerning DEET, as well as tips on how to use DEET products safely.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Food Production - IPM is an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a combination of common-sense practices. IPM programs use current, comprehensive information on the life cycles of pests and their interaction with the environment. This fact sheet discusses the use of IPM in an agricultural setting.
Joint Statement on Mosquito Control in the United States from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - The EPA and the CDC are working closely with each other and with other federal, state, and local agencies to protect the public from mosquito-borne diseases such as the West Nile virus.
Label Instructions Tightened on Flea & Tick Control Products for Pets - Due to safety concerns stemming from use of two flea and tick control products for cats and kittens, Hartz Mountain Corporation has agreed to enact measures to reduce potential risks to pets from using these products.
Laws Affecting EPA's Pesticide Programs - EPA gains the authority to regulate the sale and usage of pesticides from two main laws: the Federal Insecticide, Rodenticide, and Fungicide Act (FIFRA) and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). These two laws, as well as other statutes that affect the Agency's pesticide programs, are described.

Methyl Bromide - Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) Methyl Bromide Patent Information. Health effects information on MeBr.

Methyl Bromide Critical Use Exemption (CUE) Process - This Questions and Answers document addresses concerns raised by prospective applicants for methyl bromide critical use exemptions.
Methyl Isothiocyanate (MITC) - MITC is a wood preservative used to control wood rot and fungi, and is used on larger structures such as utility poles. It is considered to be toxic is swallowed, and can cause skin irritation. The EPA is currently reviewing the potential health and environmental effects of MITC.
Methyl Parathion and EPA's Actions - There have been incidents involving use of the highly toxic pesticide methyl parathion to get rid of insects in homes. Because of this illegal and hazardous use, EPA has taken steps to make methyl parathion more difficult obtain.
Methyl Parathion Risk Management Decision - EPA has accepted voluntary cancellation of methyl parathion's use on the crops, such as apples, which are eaten most by children. Because methyl parathion poses unacceptable risks to children, this step will help to reduce the pesticide risks to children through food.
Mosquito Control - Links to documents providing some basic information on mosquito control, safety precautions, and insecticides used for mosquito control programs.

Larvicides for Mosquito Control - Includes information on methoprene, temephos, monomolecular films, oils and microbial larvicides.
Mosquitos: How to Control Them - What you can do to help control mosquitos around your home.
Malathion for Mosquito Control - Malathion is applied as an ultra-low volume (ULV) spray to kill adult mosquitos
Naled for Mosquito Control - Naled is applied as an ultra-low volume (ULV) spray to kill adult mosquitos.
Pesticides and Mosquito Control - These questions and answers provide information on safety precautions, and information on insecticides used for mosquito control programs.
Synthetic Pyrethroids For Mosquito Control - Synthetic pyrethroids are applied as an ultra-low volume spray to kill adult mosquitos.

NAFTA Guidance on Data Requirements for Pesticide Import Tolerances - Questions and answers on proposed detailed guidance on data requirements that meet NAFTA standards for establishing pesticide import tolerances in Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. consistent with the goals of NAFTA.
National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) - NPIC is a toll-free telephone service that provides a variety of impartial information about pesticides to anyone in the contiguous United States, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.

NCAP Pesticide Fact Sheets - Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides (NCAP). Have some pesticide fact sheets in PDF format. (To obtain a free copy of Adobe Acrobat^® Reader for viewing PDF files, please visit Adobe.) Other fact sheets are available to purchase. Have a book for sale that includes all of their pesticide fact sheets. Their fact sheets are actually multipage articles (e.g. the one on permethrin is 7 pages) in the Journal of Pesticide Reform. This very green site has other information on, especially, alternatives to pesticides.

New Active Ingredients - These fact sheets are for new active ingredients registered by the Office of Pesticide Programs under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act for Fiscal Years 1997 to the present.
New Data Will Help Ensure Protection of Children - In an effort to further increase protections for infants and children, EPA is requiring registrants of pesticides thought to have neurotoxic effects to conduct acute, subchronic, and developmental neurotoxicity studies and submit the results to EPA.

NPIC Pesticide Fact Sheets - National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) fact sheets are designed to answer questions that are commonly asked by the general public about pesticides and pesticide related subjects. These documents are intended to be educational in nature and helpful to consumers making decisions about pesticide use.

Organochlorines: Analysis of the Chlorophenol Group - by M. Colin Kiefer, Sarunya Hengraprom, Sandra Knuteson. On homepage of Dr. Cindy M. Lee, Dept. of Environmental Engineering and Science, Clemson University.

Organochlorines: Environmental Fate Evaluation of DDT, Chlordane and Lindane Using the Exposure Analysis Modeling System (EXAMS) - by Usarat Pakdeesusuk, Mahmut Pulat and George M. Huddleston III. On homepage of Dr. Cindy M. Lee, Dept. of Environmental Engineering and Science, Clemson University.

Organophosphates - Technical profile of organophosphate pesticides. Includes Diazinon, Fenamiphos, Chlorpyrifos. By Tarek Ladaa, Gretchen Bielmyer, Kim-Lee Murphy. On homepage of Dr. Cindy M. Lee, Dept. of Environmental Engineering and Science, Clemson University.

Pesticide Information Profiles - EXTOXNET Pesticide Information Profiles (PIPs). These are documents - there are several hundred of them from Abamectin to Ziram - which provide specific pesticide information relating to health and environmental effects. PIPs are not based on an exhaustive literature search. The information does not in any way replace or supersede the information on the pesticide product labeling or other regulatory requirements. (EXTOXNET is the Extension Toxicology Network and is a cooperative effort of University of California-Davis, Oregon State University, Michigan State University, Cornell University, and the University of Idaho. Primary files are maintained and archived at Oregon State University.)

Pesticide Product Recalls - EPA continually works to reduce the risks to human heath and the environment by requiring pesticide registrants to report any potential problems with EPA registered pesticide products. EPA works with registrants to recall products whenever products are deemed faulty or substandard or could potentially cause injury to consumers or harm to the environment. Registrants often voluntarily recall products and reformulate or repair potential hazards.
Pesticide Registration Program - A fact sheet about EPA's pesticide registration program.
Pesticide Reregistration Facts - A fact sheet about EPA's pesticide reregistration program.
Pesticide Safety Tips - This page provides a list of important tips for the safe handling of household pesticide products.
Pesticides and Child Safety - With an estimated 73,000 children involved in common household pesticide-related poisonings or exposures in the United States in 2000, this document provides recommendations for preventing accidental poisoning, provides emergency numbers, and discusses basic first aid.
Pesticides in Drinking Water Wells - This booklet is intended for people who drink well water, and who are concerned that pesticides might be present in that water. (PDF format)

Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs): Properties and Environmental Fat - An EXAMS Model Simulation. Includes naphthaline. By Hiroshi Awata, Stephanie Bates, David Knaub, Rob Popelka. On homepage of Dr. Cindy M. Lee, Dept. of Environmental Engineering and Science, Clemson University.

Potential of Chemicals to Affect the Endocrine System - Endocrine disrupters are chemicals that disturb the normal functioning of the endocrine system. This page discusses such chemicals, EPA'sresearch on them, and what you can do to avoid them.
Protecting Children from Pesticides - This fact sheet describes the vulnerability of children to pesticides and some of the actions EPA has taken to protect children.
Protecting the Public from Pesticide Residues in Food - This page discusses EPA's process for protecting the public from health risks caused by eating foods that have been treated with pesticides.
Read the Label First is an interactive guide that explains the statements found on a pesticide product label. The explanations of these statements should provide consumers with a better understanding of the label contents.
Reregistration Fact Sheets - Fact sheets on chemicals undergoing reevaluation against modern scientific and regulatory standard
Retailers and Counterfeit Pet Products (360 KB, PDF) - EPA has ordered pesticide distributors and retailers in a number of states to stop selling counterfeit pet pesticide products which falsely contain EPA Registration numbers and labeling for the "Advantage" and "Frontline" lines of pesticides. This fact sheet includes detailed information for retailers, including photos of legitimate products.
Right-to-Know Fact Sheets - New Jersey Dept. of Health and Senior Services, Division of Environmental and Occupational Health, Right-to-Know Program. Right-to-Know Fact Sheets. Fact sheets for hundreds of chemicals, including many pesticides. These Right-to-Know Hazardous Substance Fact Sheets are available in PDF format. (To obtain a free copy of Adobe Acrobat^® Reader for viewing PDF files, please visit Adobe.) Additional Fact Sheets will be converted to PDF format and posted to this web page. The file size for each document is approximately 38 KB. The Fact Sheets are not intended to be copied and sold for commercial purposes. A description of the different sections of a Right-to-Know Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet is available.
Safety Precautions for Total Release Foggers - Total release foggers, also known as "bug bombs," are pesticide products containing aerosol propellants that release their contents at once to fumigate an area. These products are often used around the home to kill cockroaches, fleas, and other pests.
Setting Tolerances for Pesticide Residues in Foods - To ensure the safety of the food supply, EPA regulates the amount of each pesticide that may remain in and on foods. This fact sheet briefly describes how EPA sets limits, called tolerances, for pesticide residues in food.
Spectrum Laboratories Chemical Fact Sheets - Hundreds of chemicals are listed, including pesticides. These fact sheets are provided in an Alphabetical listing, or listed by CAS (Chemical Abstract Number) Number.
Spray Drift of Pesticides - The drift of spray from pesticide applications can expose people, wildlife and the environment to pesticide residues that can cause health and environmental effects and property damage. This fact sheet provides EPA's position on spray drift issues and a summary of responsibilities and activities of EPA and others.
Taking Care of your Pet During Flea and Tick Season - Taking care of your pets responsibly includes protecting them from fleas and ticks. Before purchasing and applying pesticide products to pets to control fleas and ticks, there is important information you should know.
Ten Tips to Protect Children from Pesticide and Lead Poisonings around the Home (Also available in Spanish) - This publication provides resources and safety tips to prevent pesticide and lead poisoning.
Termiticide Data and Labeling Requirements - New standards for the registration and use of termite control products applied to soil were issued on October 1, 1996.
USDA Forest Service Pesticide Fact Sheets - U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service Pesticide Fact Sheets. These fact sheets are a series issued by the Forest Service for their workers and the general public. Each fact sheet provides information on forest and land management uses, environmental and human health effects, and Safety precautions for various pesticides and their formulations. Unless otherwise stated, the toxicity data presented in these fact sheets refer to the active ingredient. Includes � 40 materials.
Using Insect Repellents Safely - This resource suggests ways of choosing insect repellents, safely applying the repellent, reading the label for pesticide safety information, and avoiding ticks and Lyme disease.
Wood Preservative Methyl Isothiocyanate (MITC) - MITC is a wood preservative used to control wood rot and fungi, and is used on larger structures such as utility poles. This page discusses the toxicity of MITC as well as EPA's regulatory actions.