Prozac or Less Pesticides? - The Link between Juvenile Violence and Pesticide Exposure

Abstract

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), created in 1970 during the administration of President Nixon, is empowered under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) with the authority to regulate the sale and distribution of pesticides in the United States. In 1947, the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) effectively replaced the Federal Insecticide Act of 1910. The creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1972 added new dimensions to protection afforded under FIFRA. Although FIFRA still commands the licensing and registration of pesticides, the FFDCA regulates pesticide residue on food. The 104th Congress executed instrumental adjustments to FIFRA controlling U.S. registration, sale, and use of pesticide products, as well as the FFDCA which affords the EPA the power to establish allowable pesticide residue levels in food and animal feed. In 1972 the newly revised FIFRA changed the procedure for registering pesticides. FIFRA was further revised in 1988, with modifications that emphasized reregistration of pesticide products initially registered prior to 1984. Pesticide residues on agricultural commodities are regulated by both FIFRA and the FFDCA, discussed further below. As stated, FIFRA is primarily accountable for monitoring pesticide registration and use. Under FIFRA, a pesticide could be approved if the benefits of its use outweighed the risks. The Act amended the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) as well as the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).

Keywords: hazardous wastes, toxic substances, Federal Insecticide Fungicide & Rodenticide Act

JEL Classification: I18, K23, K32