Prompted by the publication of Rachel Carson's Silent Spring, the modern day environmental movement owes much of its origins to public concern over the use of pesticides.

While pesticides provide obvious benefits to humans by protecting crops, eliminating nuisances such as mosquitoes and weeds, and preventing the spread of disease, pesticides also pose potential harmful effects to human health and the environment. Many of these adverse effects are not yet fully understood.

Because of public concern over the increased use of pesticides and their potential adverse effects, Congress enacted the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), as amended by the Federal Environmental Pesticide Control Act of 1972 (FEPCA).

Broadly defined, a pesticide is any agent used to kill or control undesired insects, weeds, rodents, fungi, bacteria, or other organisms. As used in this Guide, the term pesticide includes herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, and rodenticides.

Does FIFRA Affect Your Community?

Yes, if, for example, your local government activities include spraying pesticides to control insects in the community or if you use pesticides on public golf courses and public parks, along roadways, or on lawns around public buildings.

Actions Your Community Should Be Taking

The primary regulatory mechanism of FIFRA is the pesticide registration program. Before a pesticide may be legally sold or used, it must be registered with EPA. Your community should ensure that any pesticides it uses bear a label with an EPA registration number. Registered pesticides are approved for general or restricted use. The specific requirements for general and restricted use pesticides are further discussed in the next section, but the main difference is that restricted use pesticides may only be applied by a certified applicator or under the direct supervision of a certified applicator.

Requirements have also been established to ensure the safe storage and disposal of pesticides and pesticide containers. Depending on the pesticide, there may be a variety of recommended disposal options for used pesticide containers and pesticide residues.

In certain emergency situations, EPA also retains the authority to grant exemptions to provisions of FIFRA.

Your community should also be aware that the states hold a great deal of authority in regulating the labeling and use of pesticides. Because state regulations may be more stringent than the federal regulations, you should contact the appropriate office in your state to determine whether any additional state requirements exist.

The concern over pesticide use and its effects on the environment has prompted the development of safer chemical and non-chemical pest control alternatives. Many of these alternatives may be appropriate for your community's needs. Where possible, your community should also investigate ways to reduce or eliminate the use of pesticides.

Additional Information

The pesticide regulations are published in Title 40 Code of Federal Regulations, Parts 150-189.