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Notes on reading graphs Q: "What is an active ingredient?" Q: "Why does PfSE calculate the total product used as well as total active ingredient used by each Department?"
Note: Pesticide products are made of the active ingredients designed to target specific living pests and other "inactive" ingredients that make up the product to 100%. The other products are in the categories of inerts, sometimes synergists, contaminants and breakdown products. The US EPA states that we should not consider all inactive ingredients as necessarily safe. Some "inert" ingredients in pesticide products are used as "active" ingredients in other pesticide formulations. As of 2003, about 395 "inerts" were listed as active ingredients in other products as listed in the Dept of Pesticide Regulation database. 21 inerts are known or suspected carcinogens and 127 inerts are occupational hazards. "Since neither the federal law nor the regulations define the term "inert" on the basis of toxicity, hazard or risk to humans, non-targe species, or the environment, it should not be assumed that all inert ingredients are non-toxic." ~ US EPA, 2003. "By their very nature, most pesticides create some risk of harm to humans, animlas and the environment..." ~ US EPA Definitions: Synergists: potentiates activity of other chemicals, making them much more active and effective, perhaps last longer than if an active ingredient was used alone. Breakdown products: chemcials are often not very stable for long periods in a product and begin breaking down into different chemicals that may be even more harmful than the original formulation. High heat in storage facilities and shaking during transportation can add to breakdown. Contaminants: Can come from the manufacturing process and the packaging of the product. Dioxin is a common contaminant found in pesticide products.
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