Exempt Products. What are they?

What is meant when you hear the term “exempt products” when pesticides are discussed? They are products classified by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as exempt from the pesticide registration process. These are called minimum risk pesticide or “25b products,” named after the section 25b that defines the requirements for pesticide exemption from registration. The key to exemption is both the pesticide products active and inert ingredients must come from an approved list of materials. Most of the active ingredients are naturally occurring, such as plant oils or salt. These products are critical for those implementing Green Pest Management (GPM) strategies for thier homes or businesses. A review is underway by the EPA (does that rhyme?) to address a common concern, which is making sure these products are effective. One important aspect to efficacy is to ask other users or look for products from major manufacturers. One example is the EcoSmart line of products. EcoSmart makes a variety of products from homeowner, commercial property manager products to agricultural and commercial products. Before buying and trying a product, try to read about the formulator, since as with any product, registered or not, a quality formulation by a reputable manufacturer should deliver consistent results for the user.

–Lauren Greenhow, General Manager, GreenHow, Inc.
www.GreenHow.com. Effective Organic & Low Impact Solutions, Lawn Care, Pest Control & Termite Control in Newton and Metro Boston.