Risk and home-pesticide users

Four hundred and fifteen California residents responded to a ques tionnaire that examined their in-home uses of pesticides, sources of pesticide information, precautions taken, and knowledge of the factors influencing risky or safe use of pesticides. Most respondents reported using pesticides at home, and half said they had tried nonchemical alternatives. Nurseries and garden centers were the primary sources of information, followed by pesticide packages and labels. Minimum precautions (reading labels and not exceeding recommended dosages) were the chief means of self-protection for home users. Over 25% of respondents reported suffering illness from pesticide exposure. An association was found between how safe or dangerous home users believe pesticides are and the degree of their risk-taking behavior. Further analysis indicated, however, that there was considerable risk-taking even among those who perceive great risk. It is suggested that better pesticide labeling would increase cautionary behavior.