No matter where we are,
pesticides touch
many aspects of our
everyday lives...
...from growing healthy food
and protecting us from
tick and mosquito borne
diseases...
...to making sure our homes
are free from unwanted pests.
So how can you be sure
that pesticides
are not harming you
or your family?
Thanks to Health Canada's
scientists,
pesticides approved for use in
Canada can be used safely.
Before a pesticide can be sold
or used in Canada,
a thorough science-based risk
assessment is done.
Like many things in our lives,
pesticides can pose some risks,
but it all depends on the
potential effects
of the product and how we
are exposed to it.
Health Canada scientists
evaluate  hundreds of studies
on the potential human
health effects
and the ways people can be
exposed to a pesticide.
People may come into contact
with pesticides
through the skin, diet or
by breathing them in.
In conducting a risk assessment,
they look at people who
apply pesticides,
and anyone else that could be 
exposed following its use.
Special attention is paid to
possible effects
on more sensitive groups
of people,
like pregnant women, infants,
children and the elderly.
All of these things are
considered as part of
Health Canada's
risk assessment.
Once these scientists have
fully studied the
exposure and effects, they are
able to determine
the potential level of risk
posed by the pesticide.
Managing risks can include
restricting how,
where and when a pesticide can
be used to minimize exposure
to people applying it and
anyone around them.
Directions for use and
warnings on
approved pesticide labels 
can include:
wearing gloves,
only using the product in well-
ventilated areas,
and keeping pesticides out of
reach of children and pets.
So, the next time you need
to use a pesticide
look for the registration
number to make sure
the product is authorized for
use by Health Canada...
And remember to follow the
directions on the label.
All of these steps are
taken to protect you,
your family and
the environment.
For more information, go to:
Canada.ca/pesticides
A message from the
government of Canada.
