Pesticides and the Environment

Pesticides help manage native and invasive pests that threaten Canada's natural resources, crops and gardens.

Health Canada scientists evaluate hundreds of lab and field studies as part of a thorough science-based risk assessment. They look at the potential effects pesticides can have on a wide variety of

• animals,
• plants and
• insects.

Health Canada scientists also look at pesticide exposure in the environment; including when, where and how much, pesticides can come into contact with plants and wildlife.

They then determine the potential level of risk to the environment and the best way to manage these risks by restricting how, where, when and if a pesticide can be used.

Before using a pesticide, always read the label and check for the registration number to make sure the product is authorized for use by Health Canada.

For more information, go to

canada.ca/pesticides