However, by understanding what can influence spray drift, it can be minimized. Some level of spray drift will always occur, either during or shortly after an application. Spray drift is the airborne movement of droplets or particles outside the intended target area.
This document does not address the other routes of unintentional pesticide movement such as surface run-off (erosion), vapour drift (volatility) or wind-swept soil. Specifically, the guidance document, Management of Pesticide Spray Drift was developed that examines the airborne movement of spray droplets and their potential deposition onto non-target areas such as aquatic and terrestrial habitats.
Part of the strategy in fulfilling the responsibility to protect the environment is to provide the necessary management tools for reducing pesticide loss resulting from spray drift under agricultural situations. A potential route of this exposure is through spray drift that occurs during or shortly after pesticide spraying. One potential risk to the environment is the off-target movement of agricultural pesticides into areas where impacts on wildlife and their habitat may occur.
When potential risks are identified, Health Canada implements measures to help minimize those risks. To ensure that registered pesticides continue to meet modern standards, Health Canada re-assesses pesticides at least every 15 years. To accomplish this, Health Canada conducts a rigorous science-based risk assessment to ensure that the product meets health and environmental standards before a pesticide is registered. Health Canada's primary role in regulating pesticides is to protect human health and the environment. A pesticide may only be sold or used in Canada if it has been registered or otherwise authorized by Health Canada.