Abstract |
EPA regulates the use of pesticides under the authority of two federal statutes-the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). Under FIFRA, pesticides intended for use in the U.S. must be registered (licensed) by EPA before they may be sold or distributed in commerce. EPA will register a pesticide if scientific data provided by the registrant show that, when used according to label directions, it will not cause unreasonable adverse effects on human health or the environment. Under FIFRA, EPA also has the authority to suspend or cancel the registration of a pesticide if subsequent information shows that continued use would pose unreasonable risks. The Agency is responsible under FFDCA for setting tolerances (maximum permissible residue levels) for any pesticide used on food or animal feed. |