Under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), which statement is true?

• A. Commercial pesticide applicators using restricted use pesticides must be certified.
• B. Certified applicators can only use general pesticides.
• C. FIFRA regulations are only enforced at the federal level.
• D. General pesticides can only be purchased by certified applicators.

Answer: (A)

Under FIFRA, pesticides are divided into general use and restricted use. Restricted-use pesticides are higher risk and may only be purchased or applied by certified applicators, especially in commercial settings. This requirement exists to ensure that those handling more hazardous products have proper training on label directions, safety, and environmental protection. That’s why the statement about commercial applicators using restricted-use pesticides needing certification is true. The other options don’t fit: certified applicators aren’t limited to general-use products—they can apply restricted-use products as well when properly certified; FIFRA enforcement involves both federal and state levels with states playing a key role; and general-use pesticides are available to the public, not restricted to certified applicators.