What are the two main pesticide classifications?

• A. General Use and Restricted Use
• B. Organic and Conventional
• C. Indoor and Outdoor
• D. Agricultural and Non-Agricultural

Answer: (A)

Pesticide classifications are about risk and who may handle the product. General Use pesticides are considered lower risk and can be bought and used by the general public as long as the label directions are followed. Restricted Use pesticides are higher risk and can only be purchased and applied by certified applicators, with standards for training, licensing, and safe handling.

This distinction matters for safety and compliance. For example, common household products used for insects or weeds are typically General Use, while pesticides with higher toxicity or environmental concerns used in farms, schools, or public health settings require the applicator to be certified and to follow stricter rules. The other pairings—Organic vs Conventional, Indoor vs Outdoor, Agricultural vs Non-Agricultural—do not reflect the regulatory access or handling requirements that define whether a pesticide is General Use or Restricted Use.