Pesticides

I found a great website that really explains pesticides well.

"A pesticide is any substance or mixture of substances used to destroy, suppress or alter the life cycle of any pest. A pesticide can be a naturally derived or synthetically produced substance. A pesticide can also be an organism including, for example, a genetically modified crop.

Pesticides include bactericides, baits, fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, lures, rodenticides and repellents.

It is important that pesticides are used only where they are absolutely justified. So it is essential that you carefully identify the pest you wish to control and then fully consider all the control options. If you choose to use a pesticide, ensure that it is registered for your target pest in your particular circumstances, and always follow all the instructions on the pesticide label or Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) permit."

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/envirom/pesthwwrk.htm

I also found a really nice page that explains the health effects of pesticides.

http://www.prn2.usm.my/mainsite/bulletin/sun/1997/sun6.html