Epa Rules On Swimming Pools And Pesticide Regulation

While they might not seem related, both chemicals used in swimming pools and pesticides fall under U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulation. Whether it is a disinfectant for a pool or a herbicide to kill dandelions, the goal is the same: prevent or eliminate a pest. Because they can potentially cause harm to humans or the environment, the EPA regulates their use as part of its mission fulfillment.

Swimming Pool Disinfectant Regulation

Disinfectants used in swimming pools must undergo both presumptive laboratory testing and confirmatory field testing. The object of the testing is to determine safety as well as the lowest concentration necessary to be effective. Disinfectants are a necessary evil; however, the human health risks might be alleviated if a balance can be found between effectiveness and safety. Exhaustive testing determines best-use practices with each disinfectant. The initial lab testing screens its use for field testing. The Office of Pesticide Programs provides technical support for the testing procedure.

Pesticide Regulation

Pesticides must be registered or licensed by the EPA or the state as required by federal law. Like swimming pool disinfectants, pesticides must go through the rigors of testing. In addition, they must follow federal labeling standards. The label on a pesticide contains basic information such as the active ingredient and its concentration. It also provides at-a-glance information regarding toxicity, emergency treatment and potential hazards. For more information about a particular pesticide, you can do a search at the Pesticide Action Network Pesticide Database.

Disinfectant Field Testing

Part of the testing determines how different factors such as the chemical properties of the water affect its use. Swimming pool disinfectants must meet certain criteria for eliminating bacteria in order to be approved. There is a threshold amount of coliform bacteria that an approved disinfectant cannot exceed. Field testing will determine in which conditions the disinfectants perform best, providing usage instructions for labeling.

Laws Governing Pesticide Sales

Two federal laws regulate pesticides from sale to disposal. The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act controls the distribution and sale, while the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act regulates disposal of both hazardous and nonhazardous waste. You are not subject to the same regulations for household hazardous waste as businesses and farms. It is therefore important that you dispose of leftover pesticides properly to avoid human or environmental health issues. Disposal instructions can be found on the pesticide label.