Under what condition can a pesticide be considered safe for use?

A pesticide can be considered safe for use when it does not exceed tolerance levels established by regulatory agencies. Tolerances refer to the maximum allowable pesticide residue levels on food and feed products that ensure safety for consumers. These levels are determined based on rigorous assessments of potential risks associated with exposure to the pesticide, including its effects on human health and the environment.

While factors like cost, popularity, and ease of application may influence a user's decision to select a particular pesticide, they do not determine the safety of the pesticide itself. Safety is primarily defined by compliance with established tolerance levels, ensuring that when used according to label instructions, the pesticide poses minimal risk to health and the environment.