Even when pesticides are applied as approved by the EPA, small amounts of the chemicals may remain on fruits,  vegetables, or grains. As a result, traces of pesticides may be on the fresh produce that reaches the consumer, or in processed foods sold at the grocery store.  The EPA sets maximum allowable levels of pesticides that may remain on or in foods. These levels are set many times lower than what tests indicate could actually harm human health.  The FDA and USDA are responsible for monitoring pesticides in foods to be sure the allowable levels are not exceeded.

The EPA is responsible for setting safety standards for public water supplies. They determine what levels of chemicals may safely be present in drinking water without causing risk to human health.

An EPA hotline provides information to consumers about drinking water quality.

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Terry L. Smith
TERRY L.  SMITH is a biostatistician and science writer who
lives in Lawrence, Kansas. She has an M.S. in biometry from the
University of Texas School of Public Health. Smith is the author of
numerous books and articles relating to human health, including
Asthma in Chelsea House’s Genes and Disease series.