Pesticides are the active substances used in plant protection products and biocides. They are toxic in especially to plants (herbicides), insects (insecticides) or fungi (fungicides).
Biocidal products must be used wisely to avoid harming humans and the environment. UBA has compiled a set of measures how to achieve that goal.
Biocides are substances and products which are used to combat pests such as insects, mice and rats but also algae, fungi or bacteria. Biocides are used in many areas of private and work life, for example as antibacterial cleaning agents and disinfectants, wood preservatives or as bug spray and ant killer.
Products used in construction contain many organic and inorganic substances. If they are released into the indoor air of buildings, or into the soil and groundwater, they can pose a risk to the environment and human health. Sofar these inputs of contaminants from building products have been quantified only sporadically.
