Which agency is primarily responsible for regulating pesticide safety in the United States?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is primarily tasked with regulating pesticide safety in the United States. The EPA’s responsibilities include assessing the safety and efficacy of pesticides before they can be marketed, as well as establishing guidelines for their proper use to protect human health and the environment. This involves evaluating data on potential risks associated with pesticide exposure and working to ensure that pesticide use does not pose undue risks to individuals or ecosystems.

In this context, the EPA plays a crucial role in setting standards that manufacturers must meet to gain approval for their products. Additionally, the agency enforces compliance and monitors the use of pesticides to mitigate any adverse effects that they may have once they are on the market.

While other agencies, such as OSHA, FDA, and the California Department of Pesticide Regulation, have roles that pertain to aspects of safety and regulation regarding chemicals, their focus is distinct and does not encompass the full scope of pesticide regulation as defined under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), which is directly under the purview of the EPA.