Does Health Canada take pregnant women, children and other sensitive groups into consideration when evaluating pesticides?
Health Canada conducts specific risk assessments for sensitive groups including children and pregnant women, taking their unique physiological characteristics into account. The behaviours and play-habits of children, such as their body weight and hand-to-mouth contact while playing near treated areas are considered when determining their potential exposure, and worst-case exposure scenarios are taken into account when determining application rates. Health Canada also carefully considers the health of workers exposed to pesticides. Label directions provide workers with information for safe use, including proper handling information and directions on personal protective equipment. Also, some provinces and territories require training and licensing for professional pesticide users.
