How the Health Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency manages risk

In addition to assessing value and evaluating the health and environmental risks of proposed pesticides prior to registration, as described in the Pest Management Regulatory Agency Overview Document , the Pest Management Regulatory Agency also manages the risks associated with pesticides by monitoring compliance in the market place.

The PMRA is concerned about the suspected misuse of any pest control product. That's why inspectors across the country are employed to verify compliance with the Pest Control Products Act. Concerns about the risks these products pose to people, pets, and the environment should be directed to the PMRA at 1-800-267-6315 or pmra_infoserv@hc-sc.gc.ca.

The PMRA Fact Sheet on the Regulation of Pesticides in Canada further explains the Agency's responsibilities and describes those of the provinces and municipalities. The provinces manage the risks associated with the sale, use, storage, transportation, and disposal of pesticides through education, licensing, and monitoring for compliance. Municipalities are responsible for enforcing municipal by-laws and restrictions.

If a poisoning is suspected, contact your local Poison Control Centre.

What is acceptable risk?

Read more about the concept of acceptable risk and the Pest Management Regulatory Agency position on the precautionary principle in A Decision Framework for Risk Assessment and Risk Management in the Pest Management Regulatory Agency .