Question

How does FIFRA attempt to control pesticides? What new perspective does the FQPA bring to the policy scene?

Short answer

FIFRA controls pesticides through registration and approval by the EPA based on potential impacts on human health and the environment. FQPA brings a new perspective by setting more stringent safety standards for pesticides, mandating consideration of infants' and children's special susceptibility, and taking into account the cumulative effects of pesticides with similar toxicity mechanisms.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding FIFRA

FIFRA is the primary Federal legislation in the U.S governing the use of pesticides. This act requires all pesticides to be registered and approved by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) before they can be sold and used. It involves thorough examination to investigate the potential impacts of the pesticide on human health and the environment.

The role of FQPA

In 1996, the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) was established as an amendment to FIFRA. This Act made significant changes to the U.S pesticide control laws by setting more stringent safety standards for new and existing pesticides. The FQPA introduced an innovative approach that mandates the EPA to consider the special susceptibility of infants and children to pesticides by incorporating an additional ten-fold safety factor in the tolerance-setting process.

The new perspective by FQPA

The FQPA brought a new perspective to the scientific and regulatory approach to pesticide management. By considering the cumulative effects of pesticides that have similar mechanisms of toxicity, it changed how risk assessments are conducted, leading to a more comprehensive and stronger protection for overall public health, with specific emphasis on infants and children who are at greater risk.