Pesticide Safety - Increase Awareness Reduce Hazards

What is a Pesticide?

The term "Pesticide" not only refers to insecticides but as it is often misunderstood, it also applies to herbicides, fungicides, rodenticides and various other substances used to control pests. In general, any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling or mitigating any pests is considered to be a pesticide. Pesticides can be products in different forms and for different uses. For instance, theyit includes agricultural pesticides, public health pesticides, wood preservatives, anti-fouling paints, , household products such as mothballs, aerosol insect spray, mosquito coil, cockroach and rat baits etc.

AreIs pesticides commonly used?

In an urbanized area like Hong Kong, the high population density provides an ideal condition for rapid expansion of pests. To control these pests, pesticides are widely used in homes, offices, parks, factories, schools, hospitals, restaurants and public transports.

AreIs pesticides hazardous?

While pesticides are very effective forto controlling pests, their potential risks should not be overlooked. By their very nature, pesticides may cause serious harm to humans, animals and the environment if they are used improperly.

How should we use pesticides?

Pesticides should only be used when they are absolute necessary. Whether you apply pesticides yourself or you hire a pest control operator, avoid exposure to the pesticides.

If you decide to apply pesticides yourself, buy only registered Part I pesticides. These are ready-to-use pesticides that are intended for general domestic use. They are less hazardous, and are relatively safe and easy easier to use. Just make sure you follow all the instructions on the label of the pesticides.

If you want to hire a pest control operator, follow these general guidelines:

• Shop around and talk with several for a few pest control companies.
• Discuss with them your pest problems.
• Ask as many questions as possible pertaining to pest control.
• Ask for the label of the product and Material Safety Data Sheet if you want to learn more about the pesticides they will use. to be used.
• Request the pest control companies to submit a pest control program. The lowest price does not always mean the best deal; ask about the techniques and other details in the proposed program. Select the one that most suit your needs.
• Take the necessary precautionary measures before, during and after the pesticide application.

Enquiries:

Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department
Plant and Pesticides Regulatory Division
5/F, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices,
303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
Tel.: (852) 2150 7010 Fax: (852) 2314 2622
Interactive voice response system (852) 2708 8885
e-mail: mailbox@afcd.gov.hk
Web-site: http://www.afcd.gov.hk/