Are pesticides safe?
EPA evaluates pesticides to ensure that they will not have unreasonable adverse effects on humans, the environment and not-target species, but because they are designed to kill or otherwise adversely affect living organisms, pesticides may pose some risk to humans, animals, or the environment. Some pesticides are more hazardous than others; the hazard may be from ingestion, getting the substance on the skin or in the eyes, or inhaling it. The safety of a pesticide depends on how the product is used. The pesticide label is your guide to using pesticides safely and effectively. It contains pertinent information that you should read and understand before you use a pesticide product.