Inert ingredients, which can make up 99% of a pesticide product, are the secret ingredients in pesticides. Only a handful are currently identified on product labels. "Inerts are neither chemically, biologically, or toxicologically inert," said Caroline Cox, NCAP’s staff scientist. "In fact, despite minimal testing requirements, about a quarter of the chemicals known to be used as inerts are identified as hazardous by state, federal, or international agencies."

The coalition’s petition to EPA asked for a simple change in pesticide labeling regulations: the requirement that pesticide labels identify all ingredients. "It should not take an agency whose mission is to protect human health and safeguard the natural environment three years to respond to the coalition’s proposal," continued Cox.

"It’s time for EPA to act," said Congressman Peter DeFazio (D-OR), also a supporter of inerts disclosure. "There’s no reason to continue to put the health of children, workers, or others at risk from pesticide secrets."

"The law does not allow agencies to twiddle their thumbs for too long," said Michael Axline, one of the attorneys representing NCAP. "This is particularly true where there is a risk to public health." NCAP is being represented in this litigation by the Western Environmental Law Center, a public interest law firm in Eugene, Oregon.

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The Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides is a five-state regional organization that works to protect people and the environment by advancing healthy solutions to pest problems.