Who regulates antimicrobial pesticides?

Because they are so important for public health, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates antimicrobial pesticides in a unique way.

How does the EPA regulate antimicrobial pesticides?

The EPA regulates antimicrobial pesticides by reviewing the toxicity of the ingredients and the potential for exposure. If the EPA determines that no adverse effects are expected to occur when the product is used according to the label directions, they grant product registration. EPA requires antimicrobial producers to demonstrate the effectiveness of their products with research. They do this because product effectiveness can impact human health, and germs are invisible to the naked eye.

Learn more about:

Toxicology and Health Effects

Disinfectants, Sanitizers, and Antimicrobial Products

Selecting an Antimicrobial Product

Antimicrobials for Pathogens

Food Processing, Pools, and Drinking Water Systems

NPIC Disinfectant Resources

Below you will find a list of additional resources related to how antimicrobial products are regulated by the EPA.

EPA Regulation of Antimicrobial Pesticides

• Antimicrobial Pesticide Registration
• Design for the Environment Logo for Antimicrobial Pesticide Products
• Consumer Products Treated with Pesticides
• Determining If a Cleaning Product Is a Pesticide Under FIFRA
• Registration Review Schedules: Antimicrobials
• Antimicrobial Policy and Guidance Documents
• Antimicrobial Testing Program
• Product Performance Test Guidelines
• Antimicrobial Product Regulation under FIFRA - Healthcare Environmental Resource Center
• Minimum Risk Pesticides Exempted under FIFRA Section 25(b)
• Antimicrobials Division (AD) Contacts

EPA Pesticide Registration (PR) Notices Pertaining to Antimicrobial Pesticides

• Antimicrobial Pesticide Products With Anthrax-Related Claims (PR Notice 2008-2)
• Use of Antimicrobial Pesticide Products in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Systems (HVAC&R) (Draft PR Notice 2006-A)
• List of Pests of Significant Public Health Importance (PR Notice 2002-1)
• Applicability of the Treated Articles Exemption to Antimicrobial Pesticides (PR Notice 2000-1)
• Liquid Chemical Sterilants (PR Notice 98-2)

Government Agencies with Related Information on Microbial Pests

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• CDC's Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections (DPEI)
• Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
• Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
• National Institutes of Health (NIOSH)
• National Toxicology Program (NTP)
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
• United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
• EPA Office of Air and Radiation - Indoor Air Quality
• Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
• State and Local Health Departments

If you have questions about this, or any pesticide-related topic, please call NPIC at 800-858-7378 (8:00am - 12:00pm PST), or email us at npic@oregonstate.edu.