What does the EPA rely on to evaluate pesticides for registration?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) relies on test data provided by manufacturers as the primary basis for evaluating pesticides for registration. This data typically includes information from studies conducted by the manufacturers themselves regarding the effectiveness and safety of the pesticide. Manufacturers are required to submit detailed data on how the pesticide behaves, its toxicity levels, potential environmental impact, and its effects on non-target organisms, among other factors. This rigorous assessment ensures that any pesticide deemed safe for public use has undergone extensive testing to verify its claims.

While consumer feedback, literature reviews, and external scientific studies can provide useful supplementary information, the formal registration process explicitly mandates that manufacturers submit comprehensive test data to meet regulatory standards. This ensures consistency, accountability, and a thorough basis for the approval of pesticides, ultimately safeguarding public health and the environment.