§ 1601. Legislative findings and purpose. Pesticides have proved
valuable in the control of harmful insects, weeds, fungi and other forms
of plant and animal life. When used indiscriminately, however, they may
injure crops, whether or not directly treated, contaminate the air, soil
and water, thus upsetting the desired ecological balance, and harm
humans, fish and wildlife by direct poisoning or by gradual accumulation
of pesticide residues in tissues. It is the purpose of this article
better to protect the public health and welfare and to minimize the
potential pesticide hazard to man and his environment, consistent with
the public interest in the benefits to be derived from their safe and
scientific application, by establishing a pesticide control board to
formulate over-all policy in the state's regulatory programs and
coordinate state efforts to control the use of pesticides.