Environmental regulations regarding pesticides primarily aim to protect?

The primary aim of environmental regulations regarding pesticides is to safeguard human health and the environment. These regulations are put in place to ensure that pesticide use does not lead to adverse effects on human beings, wildlife, and natural ecosystems. By focusing on the potential risks associated with chemical exposure, including toxicity and long-term ecological impact, these regulations work to minimize harm while balancing the necessary use of pesticides for agricultural and other purposes.

Human health is protected through regulations that limit pesticide application rates and specify usage practices that reduce exposure risks to workers, consumers, and the general public. Environmental protection is addressed by ensuring that pesticide application does not contaminate water sources, harm beneficial non-target organisms, or disrupt ecosystems.

While aspects like agricultural production, pest populations, and market trends can be influenced by pesticide regulations, they are secondary to the foundational goal of ensuring safety and sustainability for humans and the surrounding environment.