What is the primary function of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in relation to pesticides?

The primary function of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in relation to pesticides is to regulate and oversee pesticide safety. This includes evaluating the safety and efficacy of pesticides before they can be sold or used in the United States. The EPA conducts rigorous assessments to determine how a pesticide impacts human health, the environment, and non-target species.

The agency also sets guidelines for the proper application, usage, and disposal of pesticides, ensuring that they are used in a manner that minimizes risk to human health and the environment. By establishing tolerances for pesticide residues in food and setting standards for environmental quality, the EPA plays a crucial role in safeguarding public health and the ecosystem from potential hazards associated with pesticide use.