In Canada
Pesticides have become an undeniable part of our modern life,
ranging from lawn and garden treatments on private property to spraying
programs for commercial and agricultural projects. However commonplace
pesticides may have become, concerns still exist about how safe they are
and how they are regulated.
The federal and provincial governments regulate the availability and use of
pesticides. Over the years, laws at both levels have been developed to protect
human health and the environment, as well as to ensure pesticides do their job
properly.
This fact sheet explains which level of government oversees the different
aspects of pesticides management.
Pesticides are products that have been designed to manage, destroy, attack
or repel pests. These pest control products can include chemicals, devices
and/or organisms.
For the purpose of this fact sheet, pesticides have been divided into two
categories: domestic and non-domestic. Domestic pesticides, which are intended
for use by homeowners, are always clearly labeled "DOMESTIC". Non-domestic
pesticides may be labeled "COMMERCIAL", "AGRICULTURAL", "INDUSTRIAL",
"RESTRICTED" OR "MANUFACTURING".
All pesticides used, sold or imported into Canada are regulated
by the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) of Health Canada through
the Pest Control Products Act.
Examples of pesticides that fall under the Act include:
herbicides (for the control of weeds or woody vegetation)
insecticides (for the control of insects)
fungicides (for the control of fungi or moulds)
Other pesticides that fall under the Pest Control Products Act
are:
swimming pool algicides
material preservatives
animal and insect repellents
disinfectant and sanitizing cleaners
wood preservatives
electronic insect or rodent devices
A pesticide manufacturer who wishes to sell a pesticide in Canada must
first register that product under the Pest Control Products Act and
follow the registration process managed by the PMRA. The pesticide is put
through a series of detailed scientific tests and studies, which provides
answers to the following questions:
Where, how and by whom will the pesticide be used?
What is its toxicity level?
Are there potential health hazards to users and/or bystanders?
Will food and drinking water be affected?
What are the short-term and long-term impacts on the environment?
The Agency then compares the risks and values of the pesticide to its
proposed use through objective scientific assessments. The risk assessment
considers the product's inherent toxicity (i.e., poisonous level), persistence
and bio-accumulative nature (i.e., will its properties break down in the
environment). It also examines the degree to which humans, the target
environment and non-target area may be exposed, as well as any health hazards of
the product.
The value assessment considers whether the use of the product contributes to
pest management. As well, it examines whether the pesticide's application rates
are at the lowest possible level to effectively control the target pest.
It is only after carefully reviewing this information that the PMRA will
decide if the product is acceptable for use in Canada. If there are any problems
with the pesticide, registration will not be granted.
Registration will be granted if the pesticide's safety and value for its
proposed use are found to be acceptable. With registration, the manufacturer
must ensure that specific guidelines and information appear on the product's
label.
All registered products are subject to re-evaluation, which can lead to the
suspension or cancellation of a pesticide. With constant monitoring, advances in
analytical methods and improved evaluation processes, the Agency can be more
confident that the pesticides used today are safe.
If any conditions of the product's registration are not met, the manufacturer
can be found to be in violation of the Pest Control Products Act. This
may lead to suspension, cancellation, use restrictions or the phasing out of the
pest control product.
Every pesticide registered for use in Canada comes with detailed directions
that appear on the label or in attached leaflets. These directions must be
strictly followed. While federal regulators make sure these products are
acceptable for use, pesticides, like commonly used household cleaners or
medicines, can have potentially harmful effects if they are not used properly.
All pesticides used in Canadian provinces are registered by the federal
government, and only these pesticides may be used in the province.
Pesticide use is further controlled (regulated) under the authority of
provincial Pesticide Control Acts and Regulations, which is administered
by the Environment Department. As is the case with the Pest Control Products
Act, the aim of the provincial legislation is to ensure that pesticides are
used, stored and disposed of so that there is minimum impact on non-target
species, human health or the environment.
Anyone selling or distributing non-domestic pesticides must be licensed, and must
renew this license every year. The Act clearly spells out the
requirements for pesticide storage areas and employee training in order to
ensure a high level of safety for employees and clients.
Under the Pesticide Control Acts, any business offering pesticide
application services must be licensed. Requirements for licensing include
meeting proper storage and insurance standards.
Any individual wishing to apply a pesticide must obtain a Pesticide Applicator's
Certificate and renew it yearly. (The only exception is homeowners using
domestic pesticides on their own property.) This Certificate is proof that the
individual has received the necessary education and training to carry out
pesticide applications in a safe and responsible manner. There are certification
training programs for all types of pesticide application programs (i.e. training
is available for professional lawn care, structural pest control and
agricultural use).
he federal registration system ensures that any pesticide used in Canada has
passed an extensive health and environmental evaluation with wide safety
margins. When combined with provincial legislation, certification and licensing,
Canadians can be assured of a comprehensive approach to pesticides management.
Of course, there are always additional steps you can take to ensure safety:
- Always read the label before using the product and follow all
directions and warning symbols.
- To minimize exposure, stay away from treated areas until the area
has dried.
- If you have concerns about pesticides, talk to pesticide application
companies in your area, or your neighbours if they use pesticides or the
services of a pesticide application business.
- If you are planning to use pesticides, talk with your neighbours before
the application.
If you have any questions about the federal
Pest Control Products Act, you can reach the Pest Management Regulatory
Agency at 1-800-267-6315.
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