Diane Relf
Virginia Cooperative Extension
Introduction
What's on a Label?
Understanding the Label Helps Reduce Environmental
Problems
Research
has shown that consumers find reading and understanding the
label to be the most difficult aspect of applying pesticides
safely. However, an understanding of the label information is
essential before work begins. The label printed on or attached
to a container of pesticide tells how to use it correctly and
warns of any environmental or health safety measures to take.
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What's
on a Label?
The
brand name is used on the front of the label to identify
the manufacturer's product. Type of formulation identifies
the way the pesticide in that' container is mixed for application,
usually in one of the following forms:
- Emulsifiable
concentrate: an oil-based liquid which you mix with water,
then spray on affected plant.
- Flowable
or liquid: a liquid which you mix with water, then spray.
- Soluble
powder a powder which you dissolve in water, then spray.
- Granules:
no mixing required, apply dry.
- Dust:
no mixing required, apply dry.
- Solution:
ready to-use liquid; often in a spray bottle.
- Aerosol:
ready-to-use spray, in a spray can.
Ingredient
statement lists the names and amounts of the active
ingredients and the amount of inert ingredients. Comparing the
cost per unit of active ingredient on different brands and formulations
can save money, but don't buy more than you need just to reduce
cost-per-unit; you may end up creating serious disposal problems.
The active
ingredient in a pesticide has a complex chemical name
derived from its chemical composition; it may have a common
name which makes it easier to identify. One pesticide may
be sold under different brand names, but the same chemical
name will be on all of the product labels.
Net
contents indicates the amount in the container.
The law
also requires the maker or distributor of a product to print
the name and address of the company on the label, along with
an establishment number telling which factory made
the chemical. An EPA registration number shows that
the product has been registered with the Environmental Protection
Agency for the uses listed on the label.
The signal
word and symbol on the label tell how toxic a product
is. Signal words to look for are danger along with
the word poison and the skull and crossbones symbol
(highly toxic), warning (moderately toxic), and caution
(slightly toxic).
If the
product is harmful to swallow or inhale or can damage eyes
or skin, the label contains emergency first aid measures
and states exposure conditions requiring medical attention.
The
pesticide label is the most important information you
can take to the physician when someone has been poisoned.
Without the label, it may be difficult for the physician
to help. |
The label
tells how to avoid damage to the environment. Some
examples: "This product is highly toxic to bees exposed to
direct treatment or residues on crops." "Do not contaminate
water when cleaning equipment or when disposing of wastes."
"Do not apply where runoff is likely to occur."
Physical
and chemical hazards are listed and include specific fire,
explosion, and chemical hazards that the product may have.
The directions
for use include the pests the product controls; the crops,
animals, or other items the product can be used on legally;
how the product should be applied; how much to use; and where
and when the product should be applied. This is often the
most difficult part of the label to follow and, therefore,
needs special attention.
Application
to harvest specifies the amount of time that must pass
from the time of application until it is safe to pick and
use a food crop. Expressed as "days to harvest," this is the
time required for the residue to drop to safe levels. It is
often listed as a number in parentheses following the crop
name. A residue cannot be washed off.
The misuse
statement is a reminder that it is a violation of Federal
law to use a product in a manner inconsistent with its labeling.
Storage
and disposal directions must be followed for environmental
and human safety.
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Home
gardeners often use more pesticides per square foot in their
gardens than farmers do in the fields. Over application of a
pesticide is a serious mistake and a misuse of the product.
Misuse of pesticides has a number of adverse effects. It can
cause health hazards, such as making food less safe to eat,
especially if there are residues at harvest time. It can also
make handling the plants more dangerous; each time a pesticide
is sprayed, the gardener is exposed to the dangers of inhalation
or absorption of the toxin. Misuse can cause various environment
problems as well - beneficial insects, earthworms, birds, and
even pets may be harmed or killed along with the pests. Some
pesticides used near water may contaminate the water supply.
Continuous use of certain pesticides may induce resistance in
the pests they are designed to control, thus requiring the gardener
to switch to more toxic substances. Some pesticides do not break
down easily and can remain in the environment for years.
Read
the label when you purchase a pesticide, and again before
mixing or applying it. If you are confused about any part
of the label, consult your Extension agent or a representative
of the product manufacturer. Many pesticides now list a toll-free
number for consumers. The label includes specific information
that you should be aware of and learn to understand.
Read
the label; it's the law. The registration and use of pesticides
are regulated by the United States Environmental Protection
Agency and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer
Services. Under the amended Federal Insecticide, Fungicide,
and Rodenticide Act (Federal Environmental Control Act of
1972), it is illegal to use a pesticide on a crop unless the
crop is listed on the label. It is also illegal to exceed
the given rate of application on the label.
Disclaimer
and Reproduction Information: Information in NASD does not
represent NIOSH policy. Information included in NASD appears
by permission of the author and/or copyright holder. More
NASD Review: 04/2002
Diane
Relf, Extension Specialist, Environmental Horticulture, Virginia
Tech
For
more information on selection, planting, cultural practices,
and environmental quality, contact your local Virginia Cooperative
Extension office.
The
development of this series was funded by ES-USDA Smith lever
3(d), National Water Quality Initiative Funds and the Virginia
Department of Conservation and Recreation, Division of Soil
and Water Conservation.
If
you want to learn more about horticulture through training
and volunteer work, ask your Extension agent about becoming
an Extension Master Gardener. For monthly gardening information,
subscribe to The Virginia Gardener Newsletter by sending your
name and address and a check for $5.00 made out the "Treasurer,
Virginia Tech" to The Virginia Gardener, Department of Horticulture,
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0349.
Publication
Number
426-707
,
July 1997
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