COLORADO QS/CO PESTICIDE TEST QUESTIONS &
ANSWERS
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) - Answer -Laws that
provide federal control of pesticide distribution, sale, and use.
EPA carries out enforcement.
Users must take exams for certification as applicators.
EPA must register new pesticides and re-register all existing pesticides.
Applies to people who manufacture, market, distribute, use, or dispose of pesticide
products.
What are the two main pesticide classifications? - Answer -General use and restricted
use
General Use Pesticide - Answer -Generally have a lower toxicity and have less
potential to harm humans or the environment
Can be bought and used by the public without special permits or restrictions
Restricted Use Pesticide (RUPs) - Answer -Might result in an unreasonable adverse
effect on human health and/or the environment
Application by trained persons is required to use these products
This classification will be stated on the label
Pesticide Registration - Answer -Since 1988, the EPA has been in charge of this.
A pesticide must have a substantially complete database and must not cause
unreasonable risks to human health or the environment when used in accordance with
its approved label directions and precautions.
4 types of pesticide registration - Answer -Section 3 - full federal label
Section 18 - emergency exemptions
Section 24c - special local needs label
Section 25b - minimum risk pesticides
Pesticide Registration: Section 24c - Special Local Needs Label - Answer -Colorado
can register additional uses of a federally listed pesticide.
These uses are for additional distribution and use in a specific area.
These are valid only in the state of issue.
Pesticide Registration: Section 25b - Minimum Risk Pesticides - Answer -Can register
pesticides that have a very limited set of active and inert ingredients specified by the
EPA, and are not required to have an EPA registration number.
These pesticides are required to be registered with CDA in order to be sold and used in
Colorado.
,Certified Operator - Answer -Individual who has been recognized by the state, tribe,
territory, or agency responsible for regulating pesticides (in CO this is the CDA) as
being competent to use or supervise the use of restricted use pesticides (RUPs).
Must know how to read a pesticide label and be bale to follow directions to use them
properly and safely
2 categories of certified operators - Answer -Private Applicators
Commercial Applicators
Private certified operator - Answer -Individual who uses or supervises the use of RUPs
in the production of agricultural commodities on land owned or rented by him/her or
his/her employer
Commercial certified operator - Answer -Individual who engages in the business of
applying pesticides or operating a device for hire.
Limited commercial operator - Answer -Any person who in the course of conducting a
business only in or on property owned or leased by the person or the person's employer
is engaged in applying RUPs
Pesticide Registration: Section 3 - Full Federal Label - Answer -Outlines pesticide
registration requirements that manufacturers must follow.
Most pesticides are registered this way
Pesticide Registration: Section 18 - Emergency Exemptions - Answer -Allows state and
federal agencies to permit an additional use during a short term pest management crisis
in a specific locality.
Manufacturer is not allowed to advertise or promote the use of the product under this,
even though the use is legal.
This is used when there is a crisis and there are no federally registered pesticides
available to control the problem.
Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) - Answer -FIFRA was amended in 1996 to include
this.
Requires all pesticides meet new health and safety standards - including determining if
pesticide is an endocrine disruptor.
EPA must conclude with reasonable certainty that no harm will come to infants,
children, or other sensitive individuals exposed to pesticides - cumulative effects must
be considered.
Requires EPA to review every registered pesticide on a 15 year cycle.
Public operator - Answer -Any agency of the state, county, city, municipality, local
government, or political subdivision which applies RUPs
Pesticide Residues - Answer -Particles that remain in small amounts in or on fruits,
vegetables, grains, other foods, and animal feeds.
,Pesticide Residue Tolerance - Answer -Maximum limit, set by the EPA, allowed to
remain in or on each treated food commodity.
Aggregate Pesticide Exposure - Answer -All possible sources of exposure to the same
pesticide
Cumulative Pesticide Exposure - Answer -Combined effect from multiple exposures to
the same pesticide
Rinsate - Answer -A mixture of pesticides diluted by water, solvents, oils, commercial
rinsing agents, or any other substances.
It is produced from cleaning pesticide application equipment or pesticide containers.
Penalties for breaking pesticide laws - Answer -Both civil and criminal charges can be
assessed for FIFRA violations.
Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) - Answer -Passed before FIFRA to set
maximum residue levels for unavoidable poisonous substances in food marketed in the
US.
Administered by the FDA but the EPA has a role
EPAs role: sets tolerances for pesticide residues on food commodities in the US
FDAs role: Monitors food crops for pesticide residues and enforces the levels set by the
EPA.
Worker Protection Standard (WPS) - Answer -Federal regulation passed in 1974 to
provide protection to workers who perform hand labor tasks in fields after a pesticide
application.
Recently updated in 2015 to increase protection to workers.
It applies when a pesticide that contains this labeling is used in the production of
agricultural commodities
This labeling can be found in the "Directions for Use" in the "Agricultural Use
Requirements" section of the label
Types of Agricultural Establishments Covered by WPS - Answer -Applies to any
establishment involved in growing, maintaining, or producing agricultural plants for
commercial and/or research or experimental purposes (Nurseries, dairy farms, golf
courses, prisons, public parks, university extension programs, etc.)
Endangered Species Act - Answer -Passed in 1973 to protect any plant or animal
species in danger of extinction
Administered by the USFWS
It is a violation to use a pesticide in any manner than may kill or otherwise harm an an
endangered species or adversely modify their habitat
, Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act - Answer -Provides authority for
federal cleanup of uncontrolled hazardous waste sites and response to spills or
accidental releases of hazardous substances
EPA has a list of all chemicals that could cause serious, irreversible health effects
through accidental releases and any facility with such chemicals needs to notify both
state and federal agencies.
The Hazardous Materials Transportation Uniform Safety Act - Answer -Regulates
transportation of pesticides.
Shipment of pesticides and other dangerous substances across state lines is regulated
by the US DOT
DOT requires placards on vehicles that transport certain types and quantities of
hazardous materials
Transportation Security Plan - Answer -Required by US DOT for all operations that ship
or transport materials in quantities that require a placard.
General Rule of State Pesticide Laws - Answer -Programs that are derived from a
delegation of federal regulatory authority can be more, but cannot be less, stringent
than the federal law
Colorado Pesticide Applicators Act, Title 35, Article 10 - Answer -Administered by the
Colorado Department of Agriculture Pesticide Program.
Includes licensing and regulation of any individual or business who applies pesticides or
uses certain pest control devices, on property other than their own, and for hire, or any
form of compensation in CO
Who needs to be license to apply pesticide in CO? - Answer -Commercial applicator
Limited commercial applicator
Public operator
Certified operator (CO) - Answer -An individual who mixes, loads, or applies any
pesticide, including RUPs, under the supervision of a qualified supervisor
Qualified Supervisor (QS) - Answer -Any individual who is licensed to apply pesticides
without supervision, evaluates pest problems, or recommends pest controls using
pesticides or devices; or mixes, loads, or applies any pesticides; or sells application
services; or operates devices; or supervises other in any of these functions
Pesticide Application Record Requirments - Answer -Name and address for whom the
application was made
Location, if different from above
Target pest
Site, crop, commodity, or structure treated
Specific pesticide with EPA registration #
Dilution rate (amount formulation to amount of carrier)
ANSWERS
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) - Answer -Laws that
provide federal control of pesticide distribution, sale, and use.
EPA carries out enforcement.
Users must take exams for certification as applicators.
EPA must register new pesticides and re-register all existing pesticides.
Applies to people who manufacture, market, distribute, use, or dispose of pesticide
products.
What are the two main pesticide classifications? - Answer -General use and restricted
use
General Use Pesticide - Answer -Generally have a lower toxicity and have less
potential to harm humans or the environment
Can be bought and used by the public without special permits or restrictions
Restricted Use Pesticide (RUPs) - Answer -Might result in an unreasonable adverse
effect on human health and/or the environment
Application by trained persons is required to use these products
This classification will be stated on the label
Pesticide Registration - Answer -Since 1988, the EPA has been in charge of this.
A pesticide must have a substantially complete database and must not cause
unreasonable risks to human health or the environment when used in accordance with
its approved label directions and precautions.
4 types of pesticide registration - Answer -Section 3 - full federal label
Section 18 - emergency exemptions
Section 24c - special local needs label
Section 25b - minimum risk pesticides
Pesticide Registration: Section 24c - Special Local Needs Label - Answer -Colorado
can register additional uses of a federally listed pesticide.
These uses are for additional distribution and use in a specific area.
These are valid only in the state of issue.
Pesticide Registration: Section 25b - Minimum Risk Pesticides - Answer -Can register
pesticides that have a very limited set of active and inert ingredients specified by the
EPA, and are not required to have an EPA registration number.
These pesticides are required to be registered with CDA in order to be sold and used in
Colorado.
,Certified Operator - Answer -Individual who has been recognized by the state, tribe,
territory, or agency responsible for regulating pesticides (in CO this is the CDA) as
being competent to use or supervise the use of restricted use pesticides (RUPs).
Must know how to read a pesticide label and be bale to follow directions to use them
properly and safely
2 categories of certified operators - Answer -Private Applicators
Commercial Applicators
Private certified operator - Answer -Individual who uses or supervises the use of RUPs
in the production of agricultural commodities on land owned or rented by him/her or
his/her employer
Commercial certified operator - Answer -Individual who engages in the business of
applying pesticides or operating a device for hire.
Limited commercial operator - Answer -Any person who in the course of conducting a
business only in or on property owned or leased by the person or the person's employer
is engaged in applying RUPs
Pesticide Registration: Section 3 - Full Federal Label - Answer -Outlines pesticide
registration requirements that manufacturers must follow.
Most pesticides are registered this way
Pesticide Registration: Section 18 - Emergency Exemptions - Answer -Allows state and
federal agencies to permit an additional use during a short term pest management crisis
in a specific locality.
Manufacturer is not allowed to advertise or promote the use of the product under this,
even though the use is legal.
This is used when there is a crisis and there are no federally registered pesticides
available to control the problem.
Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) - Answer -FIFRA was amended in 1996 to include
this.
Requires all pesticides meet new health and safety standards - including determining if
pesticide is an endocrine disruptor.
EPA must conclude with reasonable certainty that no harm will come to infants,
children, or other sensitive individuals exposed to pesticides - cumulative effects must
be considered.
Requires EPA to review every registered pesticide on a 15 year cycle.
Public operator - Answer -Any agency of the state, county, city, municipality, local
government, or political subdivision which applies RUPs
Pesticide Residues - Answer -Particles that remain in small amounts in or on fruits,
vegetables, grains, other foods, and animal feeds.
,Pesticide Residue Tolerance - Answer -Maximum limit, set by the EPA, allowed to
remain in or on each treated food commodity.
Aggregate Pesticide Exposure - Answer -All possible sources of exposure to the same
pesticide
Cumulative Pesticide Exposure - Answer -Combined effect from multiple exposures to
the same pesticide
Rinsate - Answer -A mixture of pesticides diluted by water, solvents, oils, commercial
rinsing agents, or any other substances.
It is produced from cleaning pesticide application equipment or pesticide containers.
Penalties for breaking pesticide laws - Answer -Both civil and criminal charges can be
assessed for FIFRA violations.
Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) - Answer -Passed before FIFRA to set
maximum residue levels for unavoidable poisonous substances in food marketed in the
US.
Administered by the FDA but the EPA has a role
EPAs role: sets tolerances for pesticide residues on food commodities in the US
FDAs role: Monitors food crops for pesticide residues and enforces the levels set by the
EPA.
Worker Protection Standard (WPS) - Answer -Federal regulation passed in 1974 to
provide protection to workers who perform hand labor tasks in fields after a pesticide
application.
Recently updated in 2015 to increase protection to workers.
It applies when a pesticide that contains this labeling is used in the production of
agricultural commodities
This labeling can be found in the "Directions for Use" in the "Agricultural Use
Requirements" section of the label
Types of Agricultural Establishments Covered by WPS - Answer -Applies to any
establishment involved in growing, maintaining, or producing agricultural plants for
commercial and/or research or experimental purposes (Nurseries, dairy farms, golf
courses, prisons, public parks, university extension programs, etc.)
Endangered Species Act - Answer -Passed in 1973 to protect any plant or animal
species in danger of extinction
Administered by the USFWS
It is a violation to use a pesticide in any manner than may kill or otherwise harm an an
endangered species or adversely modify their habitat
, Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act - Answer -Provides authority for
federal cleanup of uncontrolled hazardous waste sites and response to spills or
accidental releases of hazardous substances
EPA has a list of all chemicals that could cause serious, irreversible health effects
through accidental releases and any facility with such chemicals needs to notify both
state and federal agencies.
The Hazardous Materials Transportation Uniform Safety Act - Answer -Regulates
transportation of pesticides.
Shipment of pesticides and other dangerous substances across state lines is regulated
by the US DOT
DOT requires placards on vehicles that transport certain types and quantities of
hazardous materials
Transportation Security Plan - Answer -Required by US DOT for all operations that ship
or transport materials in quantities that require a placard.
General Rule of State Pesticide Laws - Answer -Programs that are derived from a
delegation of federal regulatory authority can be more, but cannot be less, stringent
than the federal law
Colorado Pesticide Applicators Act, Title 35, Article 10 - Answer -Administered by the
Colorado Department of Agriculture Pesticide Program.
Includes licensing and regulation of any individual or business who applies pesticides or
uses certain pest control devices, on property other than their own, and for hire, or any
form of compensation in CO
Who needs to be license to apply pesticide in CO? - Answer -Commercial applicator
Limited commercial applicator
Public operator
Certified operator (CO) - Answer -An individual who mixes, loads, or applies any
pesticide, including RUPs, under the supervision of a qualified supervisor
Qualified Supervisor (QS) - Answer -Any individual who is licensed to apply pesticides
without supervision, evaluates pest problems, or recommends pest controls using
pesticides or devices; or mixes, loads, or applies any pesticides; or sells application
services; or operates devices; or supervises other in any of these functions
Pesticide Application Record Requirments - Answer -Name and address for whom the
application was made
Location, if different from above
Target pest
Site, crop, commodity, or structure treated
Specific pesticide with EPA registration #
Dilution rate (amount formulation to amount of carrier)
