Regulating pesticides: science and policy gaps

Abstract

Although chemical pesticides are used to kill undesirable biological organisms, most can also harm non–target species, including people. As part of a complicated regulatory system, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and some states such as California are required to review health effects information and conduct risk assessments. To illustrate the scientific and policy gaps in the current regulatory scheme, the toxicology and risk evaluation of methyl bromide is reviewed. The results illustrate how scientific disagreement or political influence at just one decision point in the regulatory process can significantly influence the final outcome. Improvements to the regulatory system are recommended.