What are "restricted use pesticides"?

Restricted use pesticides are substances classified as needing careful regulation because they pose a higher risk to human health or the environment if not used properly. These pesticides are only available for application by individuals who have obtained the necessary training and certification, ensuring that they understand how to handle these chemicals safely and effectively. The restrictions are in place to prevent misuse and to mitigate potential hazards that might arise during their application, thereby protecting non-target organisms, ecosystems, and human health.

This classification is vital in the context of managing pesticide use responsibly, as the risks associated with these products could lead to serious environmental and health issues if mismanaged. Therefore, special licensing is a key aspect of ensuring that only knowledgeable applicators are allowed to use them, enhancing safety for both the applicator and the community at large.