Pesticides

What are pesticides?

Pesticides are substances used to prevent, repel, or control unwanted organisms such as insects, weeds, fungi, rodents, and microbes; they play roles in agriculture, public health, and property protection while carrying potential risks to people and the environment.

How the government regulates them

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees registration, safety testing, labeling, and use restrictions to reduce unreasonable risks; food residue limits (tolerances) and monitoring help ensure pesticide residues in the food supply meet legal safety standards.

Worker safety and proper use

Restricted-use pesticides require certified applicators and state-run training programs, and regulations cover storage, handling, and disposal to protect workers, communities, and the environment.

Reducing reliance on chemicals

Integrated Pest Management offers practical, science-based strategies that combine monitoring, biological controls, cultural practices, and targeted pesticide use to manage pests while minimizing chemical exposure (Integrated Pest Management (IPM)).