Chemical pesticides are toxic substances that are designed to kill insects, plants and fungi.
Those who use chemical pesticides, are exposed to them, and are concerned about pesticides should have the right to know everything there is to know about their chemical characteristics and toxicity, the safety precautions necessary, the regulatory status, and the overall use pattern. Right now, the average Canadian is allowed to know very little about pesticides used on our food, on public and private lawns, in forestry and aquaculture operations, in industrial plants, and other applications. There are several key types of information which everyone should have the right to know about pesticides. In Canada, as in many other countries, the identity of the active ingredient is disclosed but not the formulant. Recently, a coalition of environmental groups sued the U.S. government for the right to know about the so-called inert ingredients of four major pesticides and won.