The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) And Its Role In Pesticide Application

During the last half of the 20th century, the use of pesticides increased dramatically. Billions of pounds of pesticides were used to control diseases, insects, weeds and other pests. Along with this increased use of pesticides there was a growing concern for the possibility of adverse effect of pesticide use upon man and our environment.

A national concern for our environment began to grow and eventually resulted in the establishment of the ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY, often referred to as the “EPA”. The EPA would be an autonomous regulatory body that would also promote research, provide assistance and recommend policy for protecting our environment.

Many of the environmental laws that the EPA has been given the authority to regulate are closely related to the application of pesticides. Pesticide applicators need to be familiar with the EPA and the regulations that they are responsible for.