Analysis of toxic risks posed by pesticides over the years shows that the pesticides now in use are just as toxic, overall, as those in use back in the 1970s, if not more so. Regulation has kept risks from increasing steeply, but has not significantly reduced risks. Meanwhile, more and more species of pests have acquired genetic resistance to pesticides, and herbicides have contaminated large numbers of water supplies.

The report is not all bad news, however. Its main focus is on safer, ecologically sound pest-management methods, called "Integrated Pest Management" (IPM for short) Such methods, which rely on preventive strategies and on biological controls grounded in understanding of the pest's biology and ecology, are effective, economically competitive and much safer alternatives to chemical pesticides for many pest problems.

The CU study examines the current capabilities of IPM, and concludes that the surest and soundest way to reduce pesticide risks is to promote the use of IPM instead of chemical-intensive controls. The report offers a roadmap for an accelerated transition to make biologically-based IPM the main pest-management approach in the USA.

CU Calls for a shift to IPM approaches in agricultural, urban and household pest management over the next 15 to 25 years, and zeroes in on specific research, information, market and regulatory strategies to speed up progress toward those goals. The report's recommendations address things that scientists, consumers, farmers, government and corporations can do to help speed the transition to biointensive IPM.