Final answer:
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the agency that regulates and registers disinfectants and chemical sterilants according to their chemical classification. The correct answer is option b).
Step-by-step explanation:
The agency responsible for regulating and registering disinfectants and chemical sterilants according to chemical classification is the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA's mandate includes ensuring that these products are safe to use and effective for their intended purposes.
While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does regulate certain aspects of public health, such as food safety, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and cosmetics, it is the EPA that oversees the registration of disinfectants and sterilants to prevent environmental harm and ensure user safety.
The importance of the EPA's role in regulation becomes clear when considering their responsibility for setting water quality standards and thereby preventing the misuse of hazardous substances that could lead to contamination. The EPA's regulation of such chemicals is vital in protecting public health.