Which law primarily governs the use of pesticides in the United States?

The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) is the primary law that governs the use of pesticides in the United States. Established in 1947, FIFRA provides the framework for the regulation, distribution, sale, and use of pesticides to ensure that they are safe, effective, and used correctly. Under FIFRA, all pesticides must be registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) before they can be marketed or used in the U.S. This registration process requires extensive testing data to demonstrate that the pesticide does not pose unreasonable risks to human health or the environment when used according to label directions.

In addition to regulating the registration of pesticides, FIFRA also sets guidelines for labeling and packaging of these products, ensuring consumers have the necessary information to use them safely and effectively. The law thus plays a critical role in maintaining public health and environmental safety concerning pesticide use.