JFHMS Quality Assurance Practice Exam

Which of the following statements about pesticide use is correct?

1. All products used must be approved.

2. Unapproved products may be used if they are new to the market.

3. Pesticides are only needed during specific growing seasons.

4. Using pesticides has no effect on soil health.

The correct answer is: All products used must be approved.

The assertion that all products used must be approved is accurate because regulatory agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States, require that all pesticides be thoroughly evaluated for safety and efficacy before they can be commercially used. This ensures that the pesticides do not pose undue risks to human health, beneficial organisms, or the environment. When pesticides are approved, they undergo rigorous testing to establish their proper usage, application methods, and safety guidelines to minimize potential negative impacts. In contrast, the other statements present inaccuracies. Unapproved products cannot be legally used, regardless of their market status. Pesticides are necessary for pest management throughout the entire growing cycle and are not restricted to specific seasons. Additionally, using pesticides improperly or excessively can have negative effects on soil health, including altering microbial communities and reducing biodiversity in the soil ecosystem.