Oregon Pesticide Practice Test

Under federal law, which of the following actions is unlawful and subject to civil or criminal penalties?

1. Detaching, altering, defacing, or destroying any part of a container or labeling

2. Using a pesticide in an emergency situation

3. Labeling a pesticide with general instructions

4. Applying pesticides in a private garden

The correct answer is: Detaching, altering, defacing, or destroying any part of a container or labeling

Detaching, altering, defacing, or destroying any part of a container or labeling of a pesticide is unlawful under federal law because it undermines the important regulatory framework established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The label on a pesticide container provides essential information, including product usage instructions, safety precautions, and environmental considerations. Keeping this information intact and accessible ensures that users can apply the pesticide safely and effectively, protecting both human health and the environment. When labels are damaged or altered, it can lead to misuse of the product, resulting in potential harm and legal ramifications for the individual who interfered with the labeling. Thus, actions that compromise the integrity of pesticide labeling are subject to serious civil or criminal penalties.