Which organization oversees compliance with pesticide regulations?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plays a crucial role in overseeing compliance with pesticide regulations in the United States. This federal agency is responsible for regulating the registration, distribution, sale, and use of pesticides under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). The EPA ensures that pesticides are safe for human health and the environment by evaluating scientific studies and data on their effectiveness and potential risks before they can be marketed.

The regulatory framework established by the EPA controls the manufacturing and use of pesticides, requiring proper labeling, guidelines for application, and adherence to safety standards. Compliance with these regulations is essential to prevent misuse and to protect public health and environmental integrity.

In contrast, organizations like OSHA primarily focus on workplace safety regulations rather than pesticide use. The Department of Agriculture manages agricultural practices but does not specifically oversee pesticide compliance at the federal level, while the National Pesticide Information Retrieval System provides information but does not enforce compliance itself. Therefore, the EPA is the primary authority ensuring adherence to pesticide regulations.