When is a permit required for pesticide use under a Section 18?

A permit is required for pesticide use under Section 18 because all uses of such pesticides are considered restricted. Section 18 of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) allows for emergency exemptions from federal pesticide regulations but requires that any use authorized under this provision must be controlled and monitored carefully to protect human health and the environment.

This restricted nature means that any use of pesticides covered by a Section 18 exemption necessitates a permit to ensure that the pesticide is used safely and only in circumstances where no viable alternative exists. By requiring a permit for all uses, authorities can track usage, enforce safety practices, and prohibit misuse, thus safeguarding public health and ecological integrity.

In contrast, other options do not accurately capture the comprehensive regulatory nature of Section 18, as permits are not limited to commercial products or confined to specific types of use like agriculture or residential settings; instead, they encompass all applications that fit within the Section's emergency provisions.