Many laws govern the manufacture, sale, distribution and use of pesticide products. For example, companies developing new pesticides (i.e., herbicides, insecticides and fungicides) or introducing a new application for an existing pesticide are required to register with regulatory bodies. While this extensive process is both legal and administrative, it relies heavily on scientific data. This information includes the potential risks to human health and the environment (such as the potential for pesticide residues on food), proof that the manufacturing process is reliable and labeling information (such as usage directions, contents and appropriate warnings).
To provide the data necessary for registration, scientists need ways to accurately identify pesticide ingredients and quantify pesticide residues.
