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Pictograms and their Benefits

Elements of GHS

Currently, EPA uses two pictograms: a version of the skull and crossbones for the most severe categories of acute toxicity and a flame symbol for certain highly flammable total release foggers. The Globally Harmonized System (GHS) includes a number of additional pictograms. 

The complete set of GHS pictograms can be viewed on the United Nations GHS Web site.  Exit EPA disclaimer EPA anticipates that the pictograms below would be the most commonly used on pesticide labels. For more information on the hazard class and criteria of each category, please click on the pictogram.

Symbol of skull and crossbones in a red diamond-shaped warning border indicates that the chemical may be toxic or fatal

Skull and Crossbones

Symbol of a exclamation mark in a red diamond-shaped warning border that will appear on chemicals with less severe toxicity

Exclamation Mark

Symbol in a red diamond-shaped warning border that will appear on chemicals that have corrosive properties

Corrosion

Symbol in a red diamond-shaped warning border that will appear on chemicals which are acutely hazardous to fish, crustacea, or aquatic plants

Environment

Symbol of a flame in a red diamond-shaped warning border that will appear on chemicals that are flammable

Flame

 

 

 

 

 

The effectiveness of hazard communication is enhanced when important information is conveyed in more than one way, such as combining eye-catching symbols with clear label text. Pictograms are a simple method of conveying information and drawing attention to other label information. GHS uses pictograms in combination with the two distinct signal words to quickly and simply relay important hazard information to chemical users and handlers.

 

 

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