Jump to main content.

Health and Safety Fact Sheets

Anthrax - Fact sheets on pesticides used in federal decontamination responses to the anthrax spore bioterrorism attacks of October 2001

Antimicrobial Products to Disinfect Poultry and Other Facilities Against Avian (Bird) Flu - This Web page provides information about disinfectants that are available to help prevent the spread of avian (bird) flu in the United States.

Productos antimicrobiales que desinfectarán las instalaciones de aves de corral y otras instalaciones en contra de la gripe aviar - Esta página Web brinda información acerca de los desinfectantes que están disponibles para prevenir la propagación de la gripe aviar en los Estados Unidos.

Assessing Health Risks from Pesticides - EPA scientists and analysts carefully review test data to determine whether to register (license) a pesticide product or a use and whether specific restrictions are necessary. This fact sheet is a brief overview of EPA's process for assessing potential risks to human health when evaluating pesticide products.

Citizen's Guide to Pest Control and Pesticide Safety (PDF) - This publication teaches consumers how to control pests in and around the home, alternatives to chemical pesticides, how to choose pesticides, and how to use, store, and dispose of them safely. It also discusses how to reduce exposure when others use pesticides, how to prevent pesticide poisoning and how to handle an emergency, how to choose a pest control company, and what to do if someone is poisoned by a pesticide. (54 pp, 2.4 MB, about PDF)

Counterfeit Pesticide Products for Dogs and Cats - EPA has ordered pesticide distributors and retailers in a number of states to stop selling counterfeit pet pesticide products which falsely contain EPA Registration numbers and labeling for the "Advantage" and "Frontline" lines of pesticides. This fact sheet includes detailed information, including photos of legitimate products.

Insect Repellent DEET - DEET is an ingredient used in many insect repellents. This page discusses EPA's actions concerning DEET, as well as tips on how to use DEET products safely.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Principles - IPM is an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a combination of common-sense practices. IPM programs use current, comprehensive information on the life cycles of pests and their interaction with the environment. This fact sheet discusses the use of IPM in an agricultural setting.

Healthy Lawn, Healthy Environment (PDF): Caring for Your Lawn in an Environmentally Friendly Way - This small EPA brochure gives tips on working with nature to grow a lawn that is healthy while minimizing the use of pesticides. It also gives tips on the safe use of pesticides, when necessary, on choosing a lawn care service, and where to find more information on this subject. (19 pp, 5.4 MB, in about PDF)

Methyl Parathion and EPA's Actions - There have been incidents involving use of the highly toxic pesticide methyl parathion to get rid of insects in homes. Because of this illegal and hazardous use, EPA has taken steps to make methyl parathion more difficult obtain.

Mosquito Control Fact Sheets - Links to documents providing some basic information on mosquito control, safety precautions, and insecticides used for mosquito control programs.

Outdoor residential misting systems (including mosquito misting systems) - This web page will help consumers decide if residential pesticide misting systems are appropriate for their home and understand safety precautions about using them.

Preventing Pedicure Foot Spa Infections - Information available to the pedicure foot spa customer, owner, operator, and worker regarding health and safety precautions, to include proper maintenance, disinfecting and cleaning procedures of the equipment.

Pesticide Consumer Alert - A tailored summary of the agency's chemical safety alert entitled, "Chemical Accident Prevention: Site Security".

Pesticides in Drinking Water Wells (PDF) - This booklet is intended for people who drink well water, and who are concerned that pesticides might be present in that water. (4 pp, 23.6 KB, about PDF) Exit EPA disclaimer

Pesticide Product Recalls - EPA continually works to reduce the risks to human heath and the environment by requiring pesticide registrants to report any potential problems with EPA registered pesticide products. EPA works with registrants to recall products whenever products are deemed faulty or substandard or could potentially cause injury to consumers or harm to the environment. Registrants often voluntarily recall products and reformulate or repair potential hazards.

Pesticide Safety Tips - Provide a list of important tips for the safe handling of household pesticide products.

Read the Label First is an interactive guide that explains the statements found on a pesticide product label. The explanations of these statements should provide consumers with a better understanding of the label contents.

Read the Label First: Protect Your Pets - Many common household products such as cleaners and pesticides could hurt a pet if not used and stored correctly. Always read the label first before you buy, store, and use household cleaners or pesticide products. Keep all products out of the reach of pets and children.

Retailers and Counterfeit Pet Products (PDF) (4 pp, 360.8 KB, about PDF) - EPA has ordered pesticide distributors and retailers in a number of states to stop selling counterfeit pet pesticide products which falsely contain EPA Registration numbers and labeling for the "Advantage" and "Frontline" lines of pesticides. This fact sheet includes detailed information for retailers, including photos of legitimate products.

Safety Precautions for Total Release Foggers - Total release foggers, also known as "bug bombs," are pesticide products containing aerosol propellants that release their contents at once to fumigate an area. These products are often used around the home to kill cockroaches, fleas, and other pests.

Spray Drift of Pesticides - Spray drift from pesticides can expose people, wildlife and the environment to pesticide residues that can cause health and environmental effects and property damage. For these reasons, OPP has been actively engaged in a number of initiatives to help prevent such problems.

Taking Care of your Pet During Flea and Tick Season - Taking care of your pets responsibly includes protecting them from fleas and ticks. Before purchasing and applying pesticide products to pets to control fleas and ticks, there is important information you should know.

Using Insect Repellents Safely - This resource suggests ways of choosing insect repellents, safely applying the repellent, reading the label for pesticide safety information, and avoiding ticks and Lyme disease.

Wood Preservatives

Acid Copper Chromate (ACC) Residential Uses Won’t be Registered - EPA is taking legal action to deny all applications for registration of acid copper chromate, known as ACC, as a wood preservative pesticide intended for residential use.

Pentachlorophenol (PCP) - Currently, EPA is reassessing pentachlorophenol (PCP) as part of its ongoing reregistration program for older pesticides. Federal law directs EPA to periodically re-evaluate older pesticides to ensure that they continue to meet current safety standards.

Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA) - CCA, also known as Wolmanized wood, is used on decks, fences and playground equipment to prevent wood decay. This Web site provides the current regulatory status, as well as technical and general information regarding the handling, use, and potential hazards associated with CCA-treated wood.

Creosote and its Use as a Wood Preservative - Creosote is a wood preservative used for commercial purposes only; it has no registered residential uses. Creosote is obtained from high temperature distillation of coal tar. It is used as a fungicide, insecticide, miticide, and sporicide to protect wood, primarily utility poles and railroad ties. EPA is currently reassessing creosote as part of its ongoing reregistration program.

Protecting Children

Protecting Children from Pesticides - This fact sheet describes the vulnerability of children to pesticides and some of the actions EPA has taken to protect children.

Ten Tips to Protect Children from Pesticide and Lead Poisonings (Also available in Spanish) - This publication provides resources and safety tips to prevent pesticide and lead poisoning.

Publications | Glossary | A-Z Index | Jobs

Local Navigation

Jump to main content.