What margin of safety ("safety factor") does the EPA use to set tolerances?

The margin of safety or "safety factor" that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) uses to set tolerances is generally established at 100 times. This safety factor is applied to ensure that the acceptable levels of pesticide residues in food or feed provide a substantial buffer for potential risks to human health, especially for sensitive populations such as children. By applying this factor, the EPA aims to account for variations in individual susceptibility and the uncertainties in the data used to establish these tolerances. Hence, the decision to set the safety factor at 100 times reflects a precautionary approach intended to protect consumers while allowing for the practical use of pesticides in agriculture.