GREENCAP
The Committee for Alternatives to Pesticides

What Are Pesticides?

"Pesticides" is a generic term for herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, rodenticides and disinfectants.

1. All pesticides are poison. They are toxic by design.
2. Pesticides can cause cancer and damage the nervous system, the hormone system, and the immune system and cause respiratory illness.
3. Pesticides are especially hazardous to the health and development of children. Other vulnerable groups include pregnant women, the elderly, people taking certain medications, and people with asthma and other chronic health problems.
4. Up to 99% of a product's ingredients are not disclosed on the label.
   • These hidden ingredients are added to make the product easier to apply and to enhance its toxicity and longevity.
   • They may be more toxic than the main ingredient.
5. Pesticides also kill beneficial plants, insects and pets and wildlife.
6. Pesticides don't stay where they are applied.
   • They vaporize and drift on the wind.
   • They run off into water sources.
7. From outside, pesticide residues get tracked inside on shoes and pets.
   • Pesticide residues accumulate in carpets and dust.
   • Pesticide vapors condense on inside surfaces such as kitchen counters.

For more information, see our GreenCAP Primer on Pesticides

Read about it:
Evidence Builds on Pesticide Risk (NewtonTAB, March 2003)
What is a Pesticide? (NewtonTAB, January, 2006)

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