Which agency is responsible for the protection of the health, safety and welfare of pest control employees and the general public from the hazards of pesticide use in Tennessee?

• A. Environmental Protection Agency
• B. Tennessee Department of Agriculture
• C. Food and Drug Administration
• D. Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Answer: (B)

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture is the agency that regulates pesticide use within the state, including protection of pest control workers and the public. It licenses pesticide applicators, issues certifications, and enforces safe handling, application practices, storage, and disposal aligned with label requirements. While the EPA sets federal rules for pesticides and OSHA covers general workplace safety, the specific responsibility for pesticide safety in Tennessee lies with the state agriculture department. The FDA doesn’t oversee pesticide use in pest control.