What defines a minimal risk pesticide?

A minimal risk pesticide is characterized by its low toxicity and minimal impact on human health and the environment. This classification is important because it allows certain pesticides to be used with fewer regulatory restrictions, acknowledging their safety profiles. Several criteria are considered in determining whether a pesticide is deemed minimal risk, such as its ingredients being generally recognized as safe or its low potential for adverse effects.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe a minimal risk pesticide. Highly toxic substances do not fit this definition, as they pose significant health risks. Effectiveness for only a short period is not a defining characteristic of a minimal risk pesticide; rather, it focuses more on safety than efficacy duration. Additionally, requiring extensive labeling is typically associated with more hazardous products that necessitate detailed instructions and warnings to mitigate risks, contradicting the minimal risk classification. Therefore, option B is correct, highlighting the fundamental aspect of minimal risk pesticides being their safety for humans and the environment.