Pesticides Management

In the process of eliminating pests, facilities using pesticides risk exposing workers and visitors to toxic chemicals through the inhalation, ingestion, and absorption of pesticide residues. In addition, pesticides and herbicides can contaminate local water resources.

To prevent hazards to human health and the environment from improper storage of pesticides, the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) called on EPA to set standards for the types of containers that can be used to store pesticides and proper storage methods. It is largely the responsibility of the pesticide manufacturer to ensure that the pesticide is properly contained and that storage requirements are specified on the label, but everyone who uses pesticides must do their part to ensure that these products are safely managed.

Pesticide application can impact the environment in several ways and is regulated under federal and state environmental laws and regulations. Pesticide-related activities conducted by local governments are primarily regulated under FIFRA, which specifies application in a manner consistent with the label.

LGEAN resources most applicable to pesticides include:

• Pesticides. Provides a summary of issues and links to numerous useful websites and documents.

Additional resources (exit LGEAN):

• Pesticides Healthcare Environmental Resource Center. Provides detailed information on properties, risks, compliance requirements, alternatives and disposal requirements.

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