What is the role of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA)?

The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) establishes the legal framework for the regulation and use of pesticides in the United States. Its primary purpose is to ensure that pesticide products are safe for use and do not pose an unreasonable risk to human health or the environment. Under FIFRA, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is empowered to evaluate and approve pesticide registrations, requiring that all pesticides meet strict safety and efficacy standards before they can be marketed and used.

FIFRA covers various aspects of pesticide regulation, including the labeling requirements, application methods, and proper usage to minimize environmental impact. The act is critical in safeguarding public health and the ecosystem from potential hazards associated with pesticide use, ensuring that consumers and agricultural workers have access to safe products.