General Colorado Commercial Pesticide Application Practice Exam

When was FIFRA amended for the second time?

1. 1994

2. 1996

3. 1998

4. 2000

The correct answer is: 1996

The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) was amended for the second time in 1996. This amendment, often referred to as the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA), introduced significant changes to the regulatory framework for pesticide registration and use. It aimed to increase protections for public health and the environment, particularly focusing on the safety of pesticides used on food. The 1996 amendments represented a shift in how pesticides were evaluated for their potential risks and benefits, emphasizing the need for better risk assessment standards and consideration of cumulative exposure. This included a mandate for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to consider the combined effects of multiple pesticides on human health, particularly to sensitive populations such as children. Understanding this historical context is essential for anyone involved in pesticide application, as it outlines the regulatory landscape that governs the use of these chemicals and emphasizes the importance of safety and environmental stewardship in commercial pesticide practices.