General Colorado Commercial Pesticide Application Practice Exam

What is a key feature of the Section 18 Emergency Exemption?

1. It allows manufacturers to promote unregistered uses

2. It grants temporary permission for additional uses during pest management crises

3. It necessitates nationwide registration without local provisions

4. It prohibits all pesticide use until full registration is granted

The correct answer is: It grants temporary permission for additional uses during pest management crises

The key feature of the Section 18 Emergency Exemption is that it grants temporary permission for additional uses during pest management crises. This mechanism allows state agricultural or environmental officials to request permission from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to use a pesticide for a specific pest problem that is not currently covered by the pesticide's registration. This is particularly crucial when an immediate threat to important crops or public health arises, and there are no effective registered alternatives available. Under the Section 18 provision, the EPA evaluates the situation and can authorize the use of a specific pesticide for a limited time and under specific conditions. This helps to ensure that pests that pose a significant threat can be controlled effectively and promptly while still maintaining oversight and safety measures until a more permanent solution or registration can be achieved.