Pesticide information for the public

Pesticides are products that have been designed to manage, destroy, attack or repel pests. These products can include chemicals, devices and/or organisms.

Pesticides have been divided into two categories: domestic and non-domestic. Domestic pesticides, which are intended for use by homeowners, are always clearly labeled "DOMESTIC". Non-domestic pesticides may be labeled "COMMERCIAL", "AGRICULTURAL", "INDUSTRIAL", "RESTRICTED" OR "MANUFACTURING".

All pesticides used, sold or imported into Canada are regulated by the Pest Management Regulatory Agency of Health Canada through the Pest Control Products Act.

Examples of pesticides that fall under the act include:

• herbicides (for the control of weeds or woody vegetation)
• insecticides (for the control of insects)
• fungicides (for the control of fungi or moulds)
• swimming pool algicides
• material preservatives
• animal and insect repellents
• disinfectant and sanitizing cleaners
• wood preservatives
• electronic insect or rodent devices

Before selling a pesticide in Canada, the manufacturer must first register that product under the act. The pesticide is put through a series of scientific tests and studies.

The Pest Management Regulatory Agency then compares the risks and values of the pesticide to its proposed use through objective scientific assessments and decides if the product is acceptable for use in Canada. With registration, the manufacturer must ensure that specific guidelines and information appear on the product's label.

All registered products are subject to re-evaluation, which can lead to the suspension or cancellation of a pesticide.

If any conditions of the product's registration are not met, the manufacturer can be found to be in violation of the act. This may lead to suspension, cancellation, use restrictions or the phasing out of the pest control product.

Every pesticide registered for use in Canada comes with detailed directions that appear on the label or in attached leaflets. These directions must be strictly followed. Pesticides, like commonly used household cleaners or medicines, can have potentially harmful effects if they are not used properly.

If you have any questions about the federal Pest Control Products Act, contact the Pest Management Regulatory Agency at 1-800-267-6315.

Only pesticides registered by the federal government may be used in the province.

Pesticide use is further controlled (regulated) under the authority of the provincial Pesticides Control Act. Components of the act that provide additional measures of safety with respect to pesticide use, include:

• Pesticide vendor's licence - Anyone selling or distributing non-domestic pesticides must be licensed and must renew this licence every year. The act spells out the requirements for pesticide storage areas and employee training.
• Pesticide operator's licence - Any business offering pesticide application services must be licensed. Requirements for licensing include meeting proper storage and insurance standards.
• Pesticide use permits - Any individual or business wishing to apply pesticides by ground, by air, to water or for research purposes is required to obtain a permit authorizing the application. This permit contains operating conditions that outline the type of application, pesticides to be used, requirements for certification, setbacks from homes, bodies of water and other environmentally sensitive areas (if needed), maximum wind speeds for application, reporting and public notification. The permit conditions vary with the type of pesticide application.
• Pesticide applicator certification - Anyone wishing to apply a pesticide must obtain a Pesticide Applicator's Certificate and renew it yearly. The only exception is homeowners using domestic pesticides on their own property. This certificate is proof that the individual has received the necessary education and training to carry out pesticide applications in a safe and responsible manner. There are certification training programs for all types of pesticide application programs (i.e. training is available for professional lawn care, structural pest control and agricultural use).

Always read the label before using a product and follow all directions and warning symbols. To minimize exposure, stay away from treated areas until the area has dried.