2005 Year in Review

From the Fields

Prepared by: Jim Morrison, Extension Educator, Crop Systems, Rockford Extension Center, University of Illinois Extension, Phone 815-397-7714, FAX 815-397-8620, Email morrison@uiuc.edu

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the states (Illinois Department of Agriculture) register or license pesticides for use in the United States. EPA receives its authority to register pesticides under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). Here are a few aspects of the EPA’s pesticide program.

Federal law requires that before selling or distributing a pesticide in the US, a person or company must obtain registration, or license, from the EPA. Before registering a new pesticide or new use for a registered pesticide, EPA must first ensure that the pesticide, when used according to label directions, can be used with a reasonable certainly of no harm to human health and without posing unreasonable risks to the environment.

To make such determinations, EPA requires more than 100 different scientific studies and tests from applicants. Where pesticides may be used on food or feed crops, EPA also sets tolerances (maximum pesticide residue levels) for the amount of the pesticide that can legally remain in or on foods.

Most states conduct a review of the pesticide label to ensure that it complies with federal labeling requirements and any additional state restrictions of use.

States may require the registration of pesticides and inert ingredients that are exempt (considered very safe) from the requirements of registration under Section 25b of FIFRA. States also have authority under FIFRA to add uses to pesticides based on special local needs.

EPA is reregistering pesticides to ensure that older pesticides meet current safety standards. Changes to the way a pesticide is used may be necessary to protect consumers, workers, or the environment. EPA is also reassessing tolerances (maximum residue limits) for pesticides on food. Special consideration is placed on potential exposure risks to children, who may be more vulnerable to risks from pesticides.

Additional information is available at the EPA’s web site: EPA Pesticides.

Information in this column taken from the November 2005 issue of Illinois Pesticide Review, published by University of Illinois Extension.

by  Editor, theCity1.com
December 11, 2005