Oregon Pesticide Practice Test

Which of the following criteria does the EPA use in establishing pesticide tolerances?

1. The toxicity of the pesticide and its breakdown products

2. The cost of the pesticide production

3. The popularity of the pesticide among consumers

4. The shelf life of the pesticide

The correct answer is: The toxicity of the pesticide and its breakdown products

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) establishes pesticide tolerances with a focus on the safety and potential health impacts of the pesticide in question. One of the primary criteria used is the toxicity of the pesticide and its breakdown products. This involves assessing the potential risk a pesticide presents to humans, animals, and the environment. The evaluation includes both acute and chronic toxicity studies to determine how harmful the pesticide may be if ingested, inhaled, or comes into contact with skin. The breakdown products are also critical because they can persist in the environment and have their own toxicological profiles. By focusing on toxicity, the EPA aims to ensure that the levels of pesticide residues permitted on food and in the environment do not pose unacceptable risks to public health. The other options do not align with the regulatory framework. For instance, the cost of production and consumer popularity are economic factors but do not influence safety assessments. The shelf life of a pesticide, while relevant to its efficacy and usage, is unrelated to the establishment of tolerances regarding safety standards. Therefore, the focus on toxicity is central to the EPA's mission of protecting human health and the environment.