Iowa Pesticide Applicator Practice Exam

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

1. Department of Agriculture

2. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

3. Food and Drug Administration

4. Occupational Safety and Health Administration

The correct answer is: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the primary agency responsible for regulating pesticide use in the United States. This federal agency oversees the registration, distribution, and application of pesticides to ensure that they are safe for the environment and human health. The EPA evaluates scientific data on the efficacy and potential risks of pesticides before they can be approved for use. The other agencies mentioned, while involved in related areas, do not have the same level of authority specifically over pesticides. The Department of Agriculture deals with various agricultural policies and can impact pesticide regulation at a state level, but the EPA sets the federal standards. The Food and Drug Administration focuses on food safety and drug regulation, so its role in pesticide regulation is limited. Similarly, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is primarily concerned with worker safety and health standards in various environments, without direct regulatory authority over pesticides.