The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency may classify a pesticide as a restricted use pesticide if it ________.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has specific criteria for classifying pesticides as restricted use. A significant factor in this classification is the potential risk to human health or the environment that the pesticide presents.

When a pesticide poses a significant dermal hazard to applicators, it indicates a substantial risk of exposure that could result in adverse health effects. Therefore, to protect individuals who may be handling or applying the pesticide, the EPA regulates its use more stringently, which is why it would be designated as a restricted use pesticide. This classification helps ensure that only certified applicators, who have received the appropriate training, are permitted to handle these substances, thereby minimizing the potential for harm.

In contrast, while a pesticide's toxicity to aquatic life is important, the EPA’s classification process also considers human exposure risks, especially for the applicators themselves. Similarly, a pesticide being banned in several states does not directly influence the federal classification but rather highlights varying state regulations. Lastly, a pesticide's ineffectiveness in pest control does not typically warrant restriction; instead, it may lead to lower usage or market withdrawal without impacting safety classifications. Thus, the criterion regarding significant dermal hazards to applicators stands out as a primary reason for restricted use classification by the