Under which circumstances can the EPA terminate or suspend pesticide registrations?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has the authority to terminate or suspend pesticide registrations primarily when health risks are identified. This is rooted in the agency's responsibility to protect public health and the environment. When a pesticide is found to pose significant health risks to humans, wildlife, or the ecosystem, the EPA can take action to ensure that such products are removed from the market to prevent further exposure and potential harm.

Health risk assessments are conducted regularly, and if new scientific data reveals that a registered pesticide could cause adverse health effects, the EPA will review the data and consider necessary actions. Ensuring public safety takes precedence, which is why the identification of health risks leads to regulatory intervention.

The other options, while they might reflect operational and market considerations, do not initiate termination or suspension of pesticide registrations. Production costs or market demand relate more to economic viability rather than health and safety, and manufacturers' requests for suspension generally follow specific safety or regulatory guidelines rather than being unilateral decisions.