Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) Practice Exam

Why is it important for the US EPA to regulate pesticides?

1. To ensure they are marketed effectively

2. To prevent adverse health effects and environmental damage

3. To promote pesticide sales

4. To standardize pricing of pesticides

The correct answer is: To prevent adverse health effects and environmental damage

Regulating pesticides is crucial for preventing adverse health effects and environmental damage. Pesticides can pose significant risks to human health, including acute poisoning and long-term effects such as cancer, reproductive or developmental harm, and neurological disorders. Additionally, pesticides can have detrimental impacts on non-target organisms, including beneficial insects, birds, aquatic life, and other wildlife, potentially leading to a disruption of ecosystems. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) carries out rigorous assessments to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of pesticides before they can be sold or used. This comprehensive regulatory process helps ensure that any pesticide used in agricultural, residential, or commercial settings meets specific safety standards, thus protecting public health and the environment from harmful exposures and ecological imbalances. While other choices might touch on aspects of market dynamics, the primary role of the EPA is to safeguard the well-being of people and the environment rather than to facilitate the marketing or sale of pesticides.