Unfortunately, there is an alarming lack of research on how pesticides affect human health, and the toxicity information that does exist is not adequately communicated to consumers. Pesticides can be put on the market without complete health testing. An EPA study of 1,200 inert ingredients found that 122 could cause cancer, birth defects, neurological disorders or other health problems.
Many inert chemicals remain untested.
The EPA is in the process of developing recommendations for pesticide labeling through a project called the Consumer Labeling Initiative. EPA administrator Carol Browner has convened a task force made up of federal, state and tribal agencies and organizations. It is Vital that consumers make clear what they want to know about pesticides on the market. The task force will be making recommendations this fall. Voice your concerns about pesticides Please take a moment to write Carol Browner a postcard urging the EPA to require meaningful information on pesticide labels.