Pesticides and Biocides

Abstract

Pesticides are chemicals that have been specifically synthesised to “kill pests, including insects, rodents,fungiand unwanted plants” (WHO, WHO (World Health Organisation) (2020) The WHO recommended classification of pesticides by hazard and guidelines to classification, 2019 edition. Available at: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240005662 [Accessed 19 Aug 2020]). They are generally used with the aim of protecting plants or plant products and this is why they are referred to in European Union legislation as Plant Protection Products. Biocides are chemicals that are also designed to have the same properties as pesticides but they are not used to protect plants or plant products.