Legislation regarding the control of pesticides (BRAZIL, 1989 and 1990; Ministry of Health, 1992) is based on preventing harm, with the aim of protecting human health as well as the environment. For it to be able to function effectively, it is of key importance for a system of pesticides control to be capable of recording chemical substances as well as controlling and monitoring the quality of particular pesticide products, identify risks and treat cases of poisoning (FAO, 1988; WHO/PAHO, 1993).

This requires good planning and the training of the different manpower sectors involved. One of those sectors is a laboratory service with a standard of quality performance to make it possible, on the one hand, for rigorous tests of toxic effects to be carried out in vivo and, on the other, to allow the type and quantity of toxic substances, both in biological and non-biological samples, to be identified.

The purpose of this page is to describe the needs and particular concerns of this General Office of Toxicology with regard to laboratories, taking into account existing relevant administrative rules and protocols, as well as national and international recommendations, including those pertaining to Good Laboratory Practices (GLP). The overall aim is to facilitate the application for qualification in the Brazilian Network of Analytical Laboratories - REBLAS, of the General Office of Public Health Laboratories - GGLAS/ANVISA.