QAL Laws & Regulation Practice Exam

Which agency administers the federal laws regulating the manufacture, sale, transporting, and use of pesticides?

1. U.S. Department of Agriculture

2. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

3. Occupational Safety and Health Administration

4. Food and Drug Administration

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

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the agency responsible for administering federal laws that regulate the manufacture, sale, transportation, and use of pesticides. The EPA was established to protect human health and the environment and plays a crucial role in ensuring that pesticide products are safe and effective for their intended uses. The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) empowers the EPA to oversee the registration of pesticide products, evaluate their safety, and monitor their usage to protect both the public and the environment. The agency conducts risk assessments and studies to ensure that pesticides do not cause unreasonable adverse effects on humans or the environment, making its role pivotal in the regulation of these substances. In contrast, while the U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) has involvement in agricultural research and support related to pest management, its focus is not specifically on pesticide regulation. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) primarily oversees workplace safety, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) deals with the regulation of food and drugs, rather than the direct regulation of pesticide products. Therefore, the EPA's dedicated mission and authority make it the correct answer in this context.