Illinois Statutes Chapter 225. Professions,Occupations and Business Operations § 235/2. Legislative intent

§ 2. Legislative intent. It is declared that there exists and may in the future exist within the State of Illinois locations where pesticides are received, stored, formulated or prepared and subsequently used for the control of structural pests, and improper selection, formulation and application of pesticides may adversely affect the public health and general welfare.

It is further established that the use of certain pesticides is restricted or may in the future be restricted to use only by or under the supervision of persons certified in accordance with this Act.

It is recognized that pests can best be controlled through an integrated pest management program that combines preventive techniques, nonchemical pest control methods, and the appropriate use of pesticides with preference for products that are the least harmful to human health and the environment. Integrated pest management is a good practice in the management of pest populations, and it is prudent to employ pest control strategies that are the least hazardous to human health and the environment.

Therefore, the purpose of this Act is to protect, promote and preserve the public health and general welfare by providing for the establishment of minimum standards for selection, formulation and application of restricted pesticides and to provide for the licensure of commercial structural pest control businesses, the registration of persons who own or operate non-commercial structural pest control locations where restricted pesticides are used, and the certification of pest control technicians.

It is also the purpose of this Act to reduce economic, health, and environmental risks by promoting the use of integrated pest management for structural pest control in schools and day care centers, by making guidelines on integrated pest management available to schools and day care centers.