Illinois Pesticide Applicator Practice Test

Which agency is responsible for regulating pesticide use and registration in the U.S.?

1. U.S. Department of Agriculture

2. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

3. Occupational Safety and Health Administration

4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the agency charged with regulating pesticide use and registration in the United States. Its primary responsibility includes evaluating the safety and effectiveness of pesticides to ensure they can be used without posing risks to human health or the environment. The EPA conducts risk assessments, sets tolerance levels for pesticide residues in food, and enforces compliance with federal pesticide laws. By regulating both the approval process and the ongoing monitoring of pesticides, the EPA ensures that these products meet safety standards necessary to protect public health and ecological integrity. In contrast, the other agencies focus on different aspects of public health and safety. The U.S. Department of Agriculture primarily oversees agricultural practices and food safety rather than direct pesticide regulation. Occupational Safety and Health Administration concentrates on ensuring workplace safety and health standards, which may involve pesticide exposure but does not oversee pesticide registration itself. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention focuses on public health and disease control, rather than the regulation of pesticides. Therefore, the role of the EPA is crucial in guiding and enforcing how pesticides are used across the nation, making it the definitive agency responsible for this regulation.