What does the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) of 1947 primarily regulate?

The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) of 1947 primarily focuses on regulating the use of pesticides to protect human health and the environment. This legislation was established to ensure that all pesticides sold in the United States are safe and effective when used according to the label instructions. FIFRA sets the framework for evaluating the safety and efficacy of pesticides, which includes assessing their potential impact on the environment, non-target organisms, and human health.

The act emphasizes the importance of proper pesticide use to minimize risks associated with pesticide applications, thereby serving as a critical regulatory measure in protecting public health and ecological systems from the adverse effects of chemical exposures. Consequently, it establishes guidelines for registration, labeling, and use of pesticides, with the overarching goal being to safeguard both people and the environment from the potential hazards posed by these chemicals.