If the EPA finds a pesticide poses a risk to workers, what action can it take?

When the EPA identifies that a pesticide poses a risk to workers, one of the primary actions it can take is to set reentry intervals for safety. This means that the EPA can establish specific time periods during which workers are not allowed to enter a treated area after the pesticide has been applied. This measure helps to ensure that workers are not exposed to harmful residues that could pose health risks.

Establishing reentry intervals is a critical safety protocol that is based on research for each specific pesticide, evaluating the potential risks associated with exposure. By doing so, the EPA takes a direct step to mitigate risks and protect agricultural and non-agricultural workers from potential harm while ensuring that necessary agricultural practices can still occur.

The other options, such as restricting sales for one year and encouraging alternative usage, may also be actions the EPA could consider in broader regulatory contexts. However, the setting of reentry intervals is a focused and immediate response to address worker safety specifically in relation to the pesticide in question.