Which act controls the use and application of pesticides requiring pesticide applicators to be qualified?

The act that controls the use and application of pesticides, requiring pesticide applicators to be qualified, is the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). This legislation provides the framework for regulating pesticide registration, distribution, sale, and use. FIFRA mandates that all pesticides must be registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) before they can be marketed and used, ensuring that applicators are trained and knowledgeable about the safe handling and application of these substances.

While the State Clearinghouse for Pesticide Control Authority (SCPCA) may oversee specific state regulations and enforcement, it operates under the framework established by FIFRA, which applies at the federal level. Understanding FIFRA is crucial for pesticide applicators as it outlines the necessary qualifications and requirements to use pesticides legally and safely, ensuring both environmental protection and public health.

In contrast, the EPA is the agency responsible for enforcing FIFRA but is not an act itself. OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) addresses workplace safety and health regulations but does not specifically focus on the qualification of pesticide applicators. Thus, FIFRA is the correct act that specifically governs the application of pesticides and requires qualified applicators to manage these substances responsibly.