General Colorado Commercial Pesticide Application Practice Exam

In setting tolerances, what safety finding must the EPA make?

1. That all pesticides are safe

2. That there is reasonable certainty that no harm will result to human health

3. That the benefits of pesticides exceed their risks

4. That pesticides are not effective on certain crops

The correct answer is: That there is reasonable certainty that no harm will result to human health

The correct choice focuses on the requirement for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a measure of safety to protect human health when setting tolerances for pesticide residues in food. The EPA must determine that there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result from exposure to the pesticide residues. This precautionary principle ensures that, even under worst-case scenarios, the risk of adverse effects on human health is minimized. By requiring this finding, the EPA prioritizes public health and safety over pesticide use and ensures that pesticides can be used effectively without posing significant risks. Other options pertain to broader concepts that do not specifically align with the regulatory requirements for setting tolerances. For instance, the assertion that all pesticides are safe does not capture the need for nuanced risk assessments. The statement about benefits exceeding risks, while relevant for integrating pest management practices, is not a direct requirement tied to tolerance setting. Lastly, claims about the effectiveness of pesticides on specific crops do not reflect the safety considerations essential when determining acceptable residue levels.