Insecticides

Chemicals that are usedto kill that are pests.

1st Generation

mixtures containing

- lethal to both bugs AND humans

e.g.

tobacco

tropical legume

Africanchrysanthemum

Plants are a “natural” place to look for insecticides because they

thorns

spines

poisons

sensitive plant

Natural does NOT always mean

2nd Generation

Characteristics of DDT:

broad – spectrum:

persistent:

DDT changed world history by:

preventing a among the Allied soldiers invading Italy during WWII

preventing millions from dying because of

increasing worldwide

won the Prize in Chemistry for the synthesis of DDT.

What Went Wrong?

DDT was banned in Canada in & in the U.S.in 1972, but it isstill being used in some countries (e.g.- ).

To cope with these problems, which it had itself created, the

World Health Organization was obliged to parachute into Borneo.

Characteristics of Modern Insecticides

Therefore, they CAN’T cause bioaccumulation.

Problems with Pesticides

Because most pesticides are broad-spectrum, they kill , not just pests.

If an insecticide is overused, can develop.

Doctors are usually cautious about prescribing for the same reason. (i.e.- Some disease-causing bacteria have become resistant to all known .)

Some pesticides have been linked to certain types of .

2,4 - D has been linked to

Saku Koivu

Many synthetic chemicals, including pesticides, mimic the action of the female sex hormone & may be causing in adolescents.

Bisphenol A

The province of Ontario banned the use of (pesticides that non-essential or used to improve the appearanceof lawns, gardens, & trees) in .

There are exceptions for agriculture, forestry, the promotion of public health or safety (e.g.- to control plants that are poisonousto the touch, such as ; insects that bite, sting, are venomous or are disease carrying, like mosquitoes; and animals, insects or plants that may cause damage to a structure or infrastructure, such as ), and .

The is one of North America's most devastating forest pests.

Both Toronto & Mississsauga have carried out to control this pest.

Technically, the law says you can use or for poison ivy, but NOT forcosmetic purposes.

What are Some of the Alternatives to Cosmetic Pesticides?

wildflowersshrubstrees

Go Native!

Native plants are adapted to the conditions here. They are & than introduced species. Put away those pesticide & fertilizer bottles & turn off the sprinkler!

Organic Food

Food produced without: antibiotics; growth hormones; most conventional ;petroleum- based or sewage sludge-based ; bioengineering; or ionizing radiation.