Pesticide Laws and Regulations
The label is the law
Under federal pesticide law (FIFRA), a pesticide may only be used consistent with its labeling. Use inconsistent with the label is a violation, and some states treat it as a criminal offense. Know the difference between general-use and restricted-use pesticides; restricted-use products may be applied only by or under the direct supervision of a certified applicator, and supervision rules vary by state and by whether the applicator is private or commercial.
Certification categories and recordkeeping
Understand private applicator (applies on own or rented land for agricultural production), commercial applicator (applies for hire or on property of another), and noncommercial categories. Certification typically requires passing exams and periodic recertification via retesting or continuing education credits. Recordkeeping requirements (product, EPA registration number, rate, date, location, applicator) are common exam items - know that records must be kept and made available on request.
Worker protection and notification
Know the Worker Protection Standard (WPS) basics: pesticide safety training, decontamination supplies, PPE, restricted-entry intervals (REIs), and notification of workers. Traps include confusing REI (entry restriction) with the pre-harvest interval (PHI) (time before harvest) and assuming posted signs replace oral notification.
Handling, storage, and disposal
Know RCRA hazardous-waste concepts, triple rinsing or pressure rinsing containers, container recycling, and proper disposal of excess pesticide. Spill response and reporting obligations are frequently tested: contain, protect water, notify authorities as required, and document.
Worked rule of thumb
If a label sets a 12-hour REI and a 7-day PHI, workers may not enter for 12 hours after application, but the crop may not be harvested for 7 days - the longer constraint governs the activity in question. Never assume the shorter number applies to both.
Common traps
Applying at a rate above the label; using a product on a site not listed; assuming state law is identical to federal law; forgetting that labels can be updated and the current label governs.