Federal Insecticide Fungicide and Rodenticide Act

The primary focus of FIFRA was to provide federal control of pesticide distribution, sale, and use. EPA was given authority under FIFRA not only to study the consequences of pesticide usage but also to require users (farmers, utility companies, and others) to register when purchasing pesticides. Through later amendments to the law, users also must take exams for certification as applicators of pesticides. All pesticides used in the United States must be registered (licensed) by EPA. Registration assures that pesticides will be properly labeled and that, if used in accordance with specifications, they will not cause unreasonable harm to the environment. 

Pesticides are broadly defined in FIFRA Section 2(u) as chemicals and other products used to kill, repel, or control pests. Familiar examples include pesticides used to kill insects and weeds that 

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT A PRACTICAL APPROACH 

Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) was passed in 1947 and administered by the US Department of Agriculture. The EPA became responsible for the act in 1970. A 1972 amendment included provisions to protect public health and the environment. FIFRA controls risks of pesticides through a registration system. EPA can refuse to register a pesticide or to limit its use if evidence indicates a threat to humans and the environment. All pesticides and general disinfectants used in healthcare facilities must hold EPA registration. 

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The tria2ine family of herbicides appeared in and after 1955, and the bipyridiniums in 1960. In 1967, two new chemical herbicides (1) were registered under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). The number of new registrations swelled to 11 in 1975 and subsequendy dropped to three in 1990 and two in 1991. 

Pesticides are more closely regulated than other chemicals because pesticides are intentiaHy appHed in the environment, often repeatedly at relatively high rates. In the United States, pesticides are regulated under the federal Insecticide, fungicide and Rodenticide Act (EIERA), and residues from uses of pesticides in food or feed crops are regulated under Sections 408 and 409 of the federal food, Dmg and Cosmetics Act (EEDCA). 

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act Toxic Substances Control Act Nuclear Regulatory Commission Title 10... 

Another section of the EPA, the Office of Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic Substances (OPPT), has recently updated and harmonized its testing guidelines for evaluating the developmental and reproductive effects of pesticides and industrial chemicals to include an assessment of endocrine disrupting properties. These guidelines will be used in future testing of pesticides under both the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). 

The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act affords added protection against the dangers inherent in the use of newer means of pest control. The manufacturer has greater responsibility for furnishing specific information as to how the product can be used effectively but without damage to the user, crops or animals, or the public. 

Federal Register, Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), 7 U.S. Code s/s 135 et seq. 1972, U.S. Government, Public Laws, 2009. Available at http //www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title7/ chapter6. html... 

Analytical chemistry is a critical component of worker safety, re-entry, and other related studies intended to assess the risk to humans during and subsequent to pesticide applications. The analytical aspect takes on added significance when such studies are intended for submission to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and/or other regulatory authorities and are thus required to be conducted according to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) Standards, or their equivalent. This presentation will address test, control, and reference substance characterization, use-dilution (tank mix) verification, and specimen (exposure matrix sample) analyses from the perspective of GLP Standards requirements. 

Final Rule for Good Laboratory Practice Standards under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act, Code of Federal Regulations, Title 40, Part 160. 

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