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Summary
Pests live where they are not wanted or cause harm to crops, people, or animals. Pesticides can help get rid of them. Pesticides are not just insect killers. They also include chemicals to control weeds, rodents, mildew, germs, and more. Many household products contain pesticides.
Pesticides can protect your health by killing germs, animals, or plants that could hurt you. However, they can also be harmful to people or pets. You might want to try non-chemical methods first. If you do need a pesticide, use it correctly. Be especially careful around children and pets. Proper disposal of pesticides is also important - it can help protect the environment.
Biologically-based pesticides are becoming more popular. They often are safer than traditional pesticides.
Environmental Protection Agency
Prevention and Risk Factors
- Find the Repellent that is Right for You (Environmental Protection Agency) Also in Spanish
- Read the Label First! Protect Your Household (Environmental Protection Agency) - PDF
Treatments and Therapies
- In Case of Pesticide Emergency (Environmental Protection Agency)
Related Issues
- Safe Disposal of Pesticides (Environmental Protection Agency)
Specifics
- Antimicrobial Pesticides (Environmental Protection Agency)
- Biopesticides (Environmental Protection Agency)
Clinical Trials
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Insecticides (National Institutes of Health)
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Pesticides (National Institutes of Health)
Journal Articles References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)
- Article: Knowledge of health risks, safety practices, acute pesticide poisoning, and associated...
- Article: Geographical disparities in cancer and occupational exposure to pesticides in a...
- Article: Associations between pesticide use and rheumatoid arthritis among older farmers in...
- Pesticides -- see more articles
Find an Expert
Women
- Using Bug Killers and Repellents during Pregnancy (Nemours Foundation) Also in Spanish
Patient Handouts
- Insecticide poisoning (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
- Pesticides (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish