Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2003

Abstract

In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, legislators, business owners, consumers and everyday citizens, all with a view of how to protect our interests, voiced their opinions on how to improve national security with patriotic zest. FIFRA's main purpose is to ensure federal regulation of pesticide distribution and use. This power is of particular importance given the terroristic threat of possible chemical warfare. Chemical professionals were cognizant of the importance of site security even prior to the September 11th terrorist attacks. With respect to the risk of terrorist attacks using pesticides or other chemical agents, EPA suggested that "those who manufacture, distribute, transport or store pesticides should continue to be vigilant regarding the physical security of those pesticides. An intricate aspect of any response plan is the identification of responders in the event of a terrorist attack. Who regulates pesticides on store shelves? Can anyone walk into a store and buy one bottle of a potentially lethal chemical and, if so, how about a ton of such a compound? Is society at risk of being poisoned by the unregulated sale of pesticides? Are we assisting illicit users by publishing what appear to be innocuous documents on methodologies of pesticide use? Just as a person cannot walk into a store and purchase a firearm without precautionary requirements, so should a potential pesticide or chemical purchaser undergo similar scrutiny.

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