What is one of the main regulatory bodies overseeing pesticide use in the U.S.?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is one of the primary regulatory bodies overseeing pesticide use in the United States. Its role is crucial as it is responsible for evaluating and approving pesticide products before they can be sold and used. This includes assessing their safety for human health and the environment, which helps to ensure that any potential risks associated with pesticide use are properly managed.

The EPA sets regulations regarding the proper application, storage, and disposal of pesticides, thereby establishing guidelines that applicators must follow to protect public health and the environment. This oversight includes maintaining a registry of approved chemicals and enforcing compliance with federal laws related to pesticide usage.

Other organizations, although they have important roles in public health and safety, focus on different aspects. For example, OSHA is primarily concerned with workplace safety, FDA oversees food safety and pharmaceuticals, and USDA has responsibilities related to agriculture, but none have the specific mandate for pesticide regulation like the EPA does.