I kinda just google, but surely someone has a good list of websites they hit.
We should be making informed decisions about what we use on our plants.
- is it the right product for the problem? (For example, don't expect an insecticide to solve your mite problem, or for a fungicide to stop bacterial rot.)
- is it safe(r) to use than the other candidates? (Damage to the nervous system versus skin irritation...?)
Some products have warning labels. Some products are regulated. There is info on the EPA website, and on numerous websites that monitor chemicals and their health impacts. Try searching for "pesticide health" for databases etc. (If anyone is interested in reading the federal regulations concerning pesticide registration, labeling etc, see http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_06/40cfrv23_06.html)
When doing this kind of search, it's critical to identify the name of the active ingredient in the product. That's how to find the best info.
Other non-hazardous products still have material safety data sheets (MSDS) - these will say whether the product can irritate skin or eyes etc., or may cause vomiting if spray is inhaled etc etc. The fact that there are no warning labels on the product does not mean it might have health effects. MSDS info is usually not posted on websites that sell the product - you have to go looking for it.
The photo is from the bottle of a product I use on my plants. The bottle says it is nontoxic and biodegradable. It has no warnings at all on the bottle (I don't have the box it came in, and don't remember if it said anything), but if you look up the MSDS sheet you will find that it may cause pain and irritation in the eyes, may cause discomfort in the form of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gastric distress, may cause irritation of the respiratory tract, prolonged or repeated exposures may cause skin to dry out and cause irritation, and may cause skin burning sensation if skin is scratched or cut. I can attest to enough eye, skin, and throat irritation that I went to look up the MSDS (belatedly).
So where do you go for info?
