Which group is responsible for regulating pesticides?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the primary regulatory body responsible for overseeing the regulation of pesticides in the United States. The EPA ensures that all pesticides available for use are safe for humans, animals, and the environment. This includes reviewing the efficacy of the pesticide, evaluating the potential risks associated with its application, and determining whether it meets safety standards before it can be registered for use.

While the Department of Agriculture plays a role in enforcing pesticide regulations at the state level, and organizations like the World Health Organization focus on public health risks, the responsibility for overall pesticide regulation lies with the EPA. In addition, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is concerned with ensuring safe working conditions, which may include pesticide exposure among workers, but does not directly regulate pesticides themselves. The EPA's comprehensive approach to reviewing and approving pesticides is essential to protecting public health and ensuring environmental safety.