Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Pesticide Use Reporting Database

...more

Print this article | Email this article

Reasons for IPM

A variety of pesticides are used in the US in production agriculture, non-production agriculture, and urban environments. People use insecticides, herbicides and chemical fertilizers to eliminate insects and weeds from their gardens or buildings, but these limiting agents have the potential to harm our health and the environment.

While oftentimes beneficial, pesticides are risky by nature. Misuse of pesticides and accidents involving pesticides occur regularly. And even when used correctly, some pesticides can harm the environment and non-targeted living things. Because of this, a rational approach to pesticide use must include a risk-benefit analysis.

This web page and its links will explain the nature of pesticides, their history, benefits and risks, the regulations in place to ensure responsible use, and current trends in their use.

---

Back to Top | Print this article | Email this article