Under what classification are pesticides regulated according to FIFRA?

Pesticides are regulated under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) primarily as poisons. Under FIFRA, any substance intended to prevent, destroy, repel, or mitigate any pest is categorized as a pesticide and is treated with a level of regulatory scrutiny due to its potential hazards to human health and the environment.

This classification emphasizes the dangers associated with pesticide use, particularly because many pesticides can pose risks if misused, thereby warranting stringent labeling and safety requirements. The term "poison" in this context highlights the necessity for careful handling, application, and storage protocols to minimize risks to humans, animals, and the ecosystem.

Other classifications such as drugs, hazardous materials, or controlled substances do not specifically capture the primary intent and regulatory framework of FIFRA as effectively as the term "poison." Drugs usually refer to substances intended for medical use, while hazardous materials encompass a broader range of potentially dangerous materials not limited to pesticides. Controlled substances pertain to certain drugs that are regulated due to high potential for abuse, which does not directly apply to the majority of pesticides categorized under FIFRA.