Pesticides a Potential Threat to Your Family – Part One

LA Testing provides pesticide testing services to protect the environment and people from unnecessary exposure.

Garden Grove, CA

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a pesticide is any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling, or mitigating any pest. Although often misunderstood to refer only to insecticides, the term pesticide also applies to herbicides, fungicides and various other substances used to control pests. According to U.S. law, a pesticide is also any substance or mixture of substances, intended for use as a plant regulator, defoliant or desiccant.

There are numerous types and trade names for pesticides used in the United States. Pesticides used in the U.S. are required to be registered with the EPA. Although they are registered, they can still cause harm to children, adults, pets and the environment if not used properly.

Pesticide poisoning can occur in both homes and due to occupational exposure. The health hazards to humans from exposure to pesticides can depend on a number of factors, including:

• How poisonous the pesticide is
• Length of exposure to the pesticide
• Amount of pesticide that enters the body
• Method of exposure

Most pesticides are composed of both active ingredients, those that kill the intended pest, and inert ingredients that act as carriers, surfactants, solvents and binding agents. These inert compounds may have properties that make them as toxic as the active ingredient.

LA Testing, an affiliate of EMSL Analytical, has been providing pesticide testing services to help prevent unnecessary exposure to people and the environment. “Pesticide exposure can affect both children and adults,” reported Ben Sublasky, National Director of Client Services for LA Testing and EMSL Analytical. “Children are typically more susceptible to damage from pesticide exposure so it is crucial that they be protected from the harmful effects of pesticides.”

To learn more about testing for pesticides or other environmental or indoor air quality (IAQ) services, please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 755-1794.

About LA Testing and EMSL Analytical, Inc.
LA Testing and EMSL Analytical are providers of environmental testing services and products to professionals and the general public. The companies have an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

Contact Information

Ben Sublasky

National Director of Clients Services/Operations Manager

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

Contact via E-mail