What characteristic of pesticides is essential for their approval in New York State?

The essential characteristic for the approval of pesticides in New York State is that they must demonstrate safety and effectiveness. This means that any pesticide considered for use must undergo rigorous evaluation to ensure that it does not pose unnecessary risks to human health or the environment while being capable of effectively controlling target pests.

For a pesticide to be registered, it must provide adequate data on its potential toxicity, environmental impact, and efficacy in pest control. The regulatory frameworks in place, such as those enforced by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), emphasize the importance of these factors to protect public health and ecological integrity. A focus solely on aesthetic aspects, cost, or profit margins does not align with the regulatory standards that prioritize safety and effectiveness as prerequisites for approval.