Pesticides present an especially difficult environmental problem, as they are often applied in excess on commercial crops, and on lawns and gardens as a precaution against weeds and bugs. When it rains, these chemical poisons slowly leach down through the soil and out into drains and sewers, and eventually enter the water supply.
It might surprise some people to learn that although their favorite brand of weed or ant killer might seem like it is perfectly safe to use in their home or on their lawn, the label is actually only telling half the story.
Under current Environmental Protection Agency labeling requirements, pesticides producers must only disclose "active" ingredients. An active ingredient is one that will "prevent, destroy, repel, or mitigate any pest."
The EPA does not currently require the listing of "inert" ingredients - by definition, those that are "not active" ingredients. An inert ingredient sounds innocent enough, but many of these inert ingredients are actually toxic, carcinogenic, flammable, or otherwise hazardous to human and environmental health.
In fact many of the inert ingredients found in pesticides are chemicals that are currently regulated under other federal statutes because the EPA has determined that they are so dangerous.
In September 2009, the Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides, BeyondPesticides.org, and 20 other organizations joined together to start a massive petition that would demand that the EPA protect consumers by requiring that these inert ingredients be disclosed on pesticide labels. Coupled with a petition by the New York State Attorney General that made similar demands, the EPA finally agreed to consider formulating a rule that would amend the existing labeling regulations under Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA).
Now these watchdog organizations are asking for consumers to take action to show the EPA that these new labeling regulations must be implemented sooner than later.
Consider joining the Center for Biological Diversity in wholly supporting the EPA's decision to require the disclosure and labeling of these harmful chemicals. Click here to read and send a letter to the director of the EPA.
Consumers with smart phones should also check out the recently released What's On My Food? app for the iPhone from the Pesticide Action Network (PAN).
This free downloadable app allows people to search for their favorite foods, to see which pesticides are used and how to best remove them. You can also search by type of pesticide to learn the dangers of ingestion.
I have an M.S. in Public Communication and Technology with a specialization in Environmental Communication.
My work is as a Web copy writer, Fort Collins Green Living Examiner, and Care2 Cause Blogger. I create quality content that informs and inspires others to live and laugh more sustainably.
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