The labeling of pesticides is much more complicated than most other chemical
products. This is necessary because many pesticides are more toxic than other
chemicals found around the home. Warnings, use specifications, and directions
must be much more complete and detailed.
You can tell the toxicity of a pesticide by looking at the signal word on the label. Pesticides are classified
into Toxicity Categories I-IV (Category I is the most toxic, IV the lest
toxic). The signal words and the precautionary statements required on the
label are different for each category.
The Toxicity Rating Scale indicates the requirements for pesticide labels.
The following is an example of a pesticide label:
- Brand Name The name, brand, or trademark is plainly displayed on
the front panel of the product label. The brand name is the name used
in ads by the company that makes the product and is the most
identifiable name for the product.
- Common Name All chemicals have a scientific name. Many times
chemicals with a complex scientific name are also given a simpler
common name. Both the scientific name and the common name will be the
same for every company. The brand name will differ depending on which
company made the chemical.
- Ingredients Statement Every pesticide label must list what is in
the product. It must show the percent that is the active ingredient
and the percent that is inert ingredient. The names of the active
ingredients must be shown either by chemical name or common and
chemical name. Presently the inert ingredients do not need to be
listed. New labeling regulations will require toxic inert ingredients
to be listed.
- Type of Formulation A pesticide may be available in more than one
type of formulation - liquids, wettable powders, emulsifiable
concentrations, dusts, and others. Different types of formulations
require different methods of handling. The label will say what type of
formulation the package contains and how to use it properly.
- Child Hazard Warning Every pesticide container must bear the
statement "KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN" on the front label.
- Net Contents The label must show how much product is in the
container. This can be expressed in ounces, liters, pounds, or other
units.
- Directions For Use The instructions on the label must tell you how
to use the product properly within its legal requirements for the best
results. The directions will tell you:
- The pests the product is registered to control.
- The crops, animals or other items the products can be used on.
- In what form the product should be applied.
- How to apply the product.
- How much to use.
- Where it should be applied.
- When it should be applied.
- How frequently it should be applied.
- How soon the crop may be used or eaten after the product is applied.
- Warning or Caution Statements The label must tell you the type of
hazard the product poses (corrosive, flammable, toxic, etc.) and how to
avoid the hazard. If the pesticide is highly toxic, this section must
inform physicians of the proper treatment for poisoning. Whether or
not the product is highly toxic, the label should also state what
types of exposure require medical attention. If a poisoning occurs,
call your local emergency number of contact the Regional Poison Center for advice. Be sure to provide label information to the treating
medical personnel. Emergency first aid measures must be stated on the
label; however, antidotes are not
always in keeping with current medical recommendations.
Warning and Caution statements will also tell you in what ways the
product may be poisonous to humans and domestic animals. It will make
recommendations on how to avoid poisoning, such as protective clothing
or ventilation requirements. However, more information in this area
than is legally required is needed on the labels of pesticides. Types
of safety equipment are not always clearly defined, and it is not
specified how much ventilation is adequate (an open window, exhaust
fan, or use outdoors).
Pesticides or pesticide residues may contaminate water supplies,
accumulate to dangerous levels in the environment, or may harm birds,
fish, or wildlife. To address these problems the label may contain
environmental precautions applying to air, water, or wildlife.
- Misuse Statement To use a pesticide product in any manner
inconsistent with its labeling is a violation of federal law. You are
reminded of this in the misuse statement.
- Registration and Establishment Numbers Every pesticide on the market
must be registered with the Environmental Protection Agency of the
federal government. The registration number must be on the fron panel
of the label and is written as "EPA Registration No.XXX." The
establishment number, which is a code for which factory makes the
chemical, must also be on every pesticide container. It usually
appears under the registration number.
- Name and Address of Manufacturer The name and address of the
company that made or distributed the product must be on the label.
This way the purchaser of the product knows who made or sold the
product and can contact them if necessary. Companies will also
provide you with a materials safety data sheet upon request.