Which agency in the United States regulates the use of pesticides and antimicrobial agents?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for regulating the use of pesticides and antimicrobial agents in the United States. This agency ensures that these substances do not pose unreasonable risks to human health or the environment. The EPA requires that any pesticide or antimicrobial product undergo a thorough review for safety and effectiveness before it can be sold or used. This regulation includes setting guidelines for the proper application, labeling, and disposal of these products to minimize potential hazards.

Other agencies, such as the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and USDA (United States Department of Agriculture), have specific roles related to food safety and agricultural practices, respectively, but they do not regulate pesticides and antimicrobial agents in the comprehensive manner that the EPA does. OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) focuses on workplace safety and health standards but does not have direct oversight over pesticide regulations. Thus, the correct identification of the EPA as the regulating agency emphasizes its critical role in safeguarding public health and the environment.