What are pesticides?

Pesticides is an umbrella term for chemical substances and products used to eliminate unwanted plants, animals, and fungi. Depending on their area of application, these products have different names:

Herbicides for plants considered "weeds"
Insecticides for insects (e.g., moths, ants, mosquitoes, etc.)
Fungicides for fungal infestations or as protection against mold
Bactericides for bacteria (e.g., in antibiotics and disinfectants)
Rodenticides for rats, mice, and other rodents
And so on.

These products typically consist of an active substance (the actual pesticide agent) and additional components to enhance their form or efficiency. The active substance varies depending on the intended application. The first pesticides were modified nerve agents or military warfare substances, highlighting the inherent danger they pose.

Estimates suggest that over 600 active substances are currently authorized in Europe and used in the production of pesticides.

The numerous combinations of active substances and additives result in approximately 2,500 products available on the European market. For non-agricultural use alone, there are around 500 products (Source: INRA). As of April 21, 2016, 525 plant protection products were approved in Luxembourg.

In Europe, 400 million tons of chemical substances are produced annually, including 300,000 tons of pesticides used each year.

Pesticides in Households

It is estimated that in industrialized countries, 82–90% of households use at least three pesticides, primarily in the form of insecticides and herbicides for gardening.

Pesticides in State and Municipals

Pesticides were previously used for maintaining public spaces, particularly along roadsides, railway tracks, and in cemeteries. However, this has been prohibited since January 1, 2016.

Pesticides in Agriculture

A significant portion of the pesticides used is applied in the production of our food.