Which organization is responsible for protecting humans and environmental health related to pesticide use?

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) is the organization responsible for protecting human health and the environment with respect to pesticide use. The US EPA evaluates and approves pesticides before they can be marketed, ensuring that they meet safety guidelines that prevent harmful effects on human health and the environment. This includes assessing the risks of pesticides, establishing safety standards, monitoring pesticide use, and enforcing regulations concerning their application and disposal.

In contrast, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) primarily oversees the safety of food, drugs, and cosmetics but does not focus specifically on pesticide regulation. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) deals more with agricultural practices, food safety, and support for farmers rather than the specific regulation of pesticide use. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is dedicated to public health and safety but does not directly regulate pesticide usage. Therefore, the US EPA is the correct choice, as it is specifically tasked with managing and ensuring safety in pesticide application to protect both human health and the environment.