- Author: Lauren Fordyce
If you've used disinfecting wipes to clean surfaces in your home, an herbicide to control weeds in your garden, or insect repellents while on a hike, then you have used a pesticide. A pesticide is any material (natural, organic, synthetic, or even homemade remedies) that is used to control, prevent, kill, or repel a pest. Pesticides are designed to be toxic against certain pests like weeds, insects, or bacteria. But when they are not used properly, pesticides can also be toxic to people and pets, and harm the environment including water quality, pollinators, and natural enemies.
February is National Pesticide Safety Education Month, a time to raise awareness about...
UC ANR's charge is research and extension and we provide guidance about how to manage weeds using registered pesticides and by non-chemical methods. UC ANR includes information in its publications on how to effectively and safely use glyphosate where it is legal to do so as well as provide options for alternative chemical and non-chemical approaches for managing weeds.
UC ANR recognizes that the use of any pesticide carries risks, including in some cases the possibility of acute (immediate), chronic (long term) or carcinogenic effects, to those who may be exposed to them. This is true of any pesticide, which includes herbicides such as glyphosate.
UC ANR has not specifically addressed carcinogenicity or other health...
- Author: Karey Windbiel-Rojas
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