Pesticides additives, classification

This comprehensive definition makes it elear that a wide number of substances may be eonsidered to be pestieides, and that the eommonality among all pestieides is their ability to provide eontrol over pests. A variety of classifications for pesticides have been developed that are specific for the type of pest controlled. Insecticides, for example, are pesticides that control insects, while herbicides control weeds and fungicides control plant diseases (molds). In addition to these major classifications of pesticides, there are many other classifications. These include nematicides (for nematode control), acaracides (mite control), rodenticides (rodent control), molluscicide (snail and slug control), algacides (algal control), bacteriocides (bacterial control), and defoliants (leaf control). 

All pesticides are evaluated, and if additional care over and above simple label compliance is required for their safe use, they receive a restricted use classification. Pesticides classified for restricted use will bear the following statement on the label ... 

In 1968, the classification of pesticides depending on their degree of hazard was proposed for the purposes of hygienic selection, and was modified in 1987. In addition to the WHO classiflcation it covers the chemical assessment for both concordance with the LD50 and criteria such as cumulation, persistence, carcinogenicity, embryotoxicity, and ability to cause allergy (see Table 19.1). 

In its strictest sense, classification of a pesticide refers to the classification of its use. It is the responsibility of the EPA s Administrator to classify a pesticide for general or restricted use. A pesticide is classified for restricted use if it is determined that when applied in accordance with its directions for use, warnings and cautions, it may generally cause unreasonable adverse effects on the environment including injury to the applicator. In such cases, additional restrictions may include a requirement that the pesticide be applied only by or under the direct supervision of a certified applicator. 

Based on the above-mentioned directive on classification, packaging and labeling of chemicals, a special directive ( ) to harmonize these aspects for pesticide formulations as sold to the user has been adopted by the Council of Ministers of the member states and will be in force as of January 1, I98I. At the same time, an additional directive ( ) will be in force prohibiting or restricting the use of certain pesticides in all member states. 

Classification based on how chemicals are used, e.g., food additives, therapeutic drugs, cosmetics, and agricultural pesticides... 

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