What defines a "restricted use pesticide"?

A "restricted use pesticide" is specifically defined as a pesticide that can only be purchased and applied by individuals who are certified and trained in its use. This classification is based on the potential risks these chemicals pose to human health and the environment if misused. Certification typically requires specialized training to ensure that applicators understand the hazards, application methods, and compliance regulations associated with these products.

The rationale behind restricting access to such pesticides is to minimize the risks of misuse and to ensure that only qualified individuals handle substances that can be particularly hazardous. In contrast, other options describe different scenarios that do not pertain to the definition of restricted use pesticides. For example, pesticides labeled for general public use (which can be purchased by anyone) are not classified as restricted use. Similarly, the notion of use exclusively for agricultural purposes does not necessarily confer restricted status, as some agricultural pesticides may be available to the general public as well.