What is the main goal of pesticide safety regulations?

The main goal of pesticide safety regulations is to protect human health and the environment. These regulations are designed to minimize the risks associated with pesticide use, understanding that improper application can lead to harmful effects on humans, wildlife, and ecosystems. This focus on safety encompasses ensuring that pesticides are used in a way that prevents exposure to hazardous substances and protects vital environmental resources, such as air, water, and soil quality.

While enhancing product sales and ensuring efficacy are important considerations for the pesticide industry, they are not the primary purpose of safety regulations. Likewise, restricting the use of organic pesticides does not align with the foundational objectives of pesticide safety, as organic pesticides are often regulated separately under specific standards that may prioritize safety in their own right. Thus, protecting human health and the environment remains the central aim driving all pesticide safety regulations.