Which of the following criteria is used by the EPA in establishing pesticide tolerances?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) establishes pesticide tolerances primarily based on the toxicity of the pesticide and its breakdown products. This is critical because the determination of tolerances involves assessing the safety of pesticide residues that may remain on food and feed products after pesticide application.

The process evaluates not only the inherent toxicity of the active ingredient itself but also the potential toxic effects of its breakdown products, which can occur as the pesticide decomposes in the environment or within the organism it targets. The goal is to ensure that the levels of pesticide residues present in food do not pose an unreasonable risk to human health, especially for vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women.

This thorough evaluation of toxicity takes into account various factors including the nature of the pesticide, exposure routes, and potential health impacts. It is a fundamental part of the risk assessment process used by the EPA to protect public health while also managing agricultural pest control needs. Other criteria, such as the cost of production or the effectiveness of pest control, while important in the broader context of pesticide regulation and use, do not directly influence the establishment of tolerances focused specifically on safety and health risks.