Farm Chemical Safety Series
Pesticides: Read The Label
A pesticide
label is not just an inconvenient wrapper on a container. It
is a legal document produced after years of research and
millions of dollars spent supporting that research. A
chemical label is designed to show how to get optimal
performance from the product while protecting yourself,
others, and the environment. To use the pesticide implies
that the label has been read and understood,
relieving the manufacturer of any liability if the chemical
is used improperly. Since the label is such an important
document, take care to understand all of the information.
Origin of a
Label
The Federal
Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the
Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act give authority to the
Environmental Protection Agency for registration and
regulation of pesticide use. Presently, up to $10 million
may be spent on tests by a manufacturer in order to have a
pesticide registered for use on crops. Health risks,
environmental effects, and impact on endangered species are
studied by the EPA in order to determine if the chemical
should be sold. If the EPA accepts the pesticide, all
directions for use, affected pests, health hazards, and
environmental precautions are described in a usable form and
printed on the label.
Label
Contents
Important data are
displayed prominently on the front of the chemical label. Most easily
seen is the brand name of the product, a signal word, and a word stating
herbicide, fungicide, or insecticide, etc.
Near the brand name
of the pesticide appears the formulation symbol. Formulation is the form
the pesticide is in, e.g., liquid or solid. The symbol may appear as one
or two letters, such as L for liquid or EC for emulsifiable concentrate.
Near the brand name and formulation symbol is a list of active ingredients.
The percentage of active and inert (nonactive) ingredients is listed under
the signal word: Caution, Warning, or Danger. This signal
word is an indicator of toxicity level and thus, its danger.
Caution indicates
swallowing one ounce to one pint of the chemical could kill an average-sized
adult (150-pound male). Warning means swallowing one to three teaspoons
of the chemical could kill an adult. Danger-Poison or Danger
means that only one to three swallowed drops may kill an adult.
The toxicity of the pesticide and the signal word are based on the ingredients
contained in the pesticide. The more toxic a chemical, the more it should
be handled with care.
Directions for
Use
A section on
the label contains necessary directions for uses of the
pesticide. Specific pests controlled by the chemical and
crops on which the pesticide may be used are listed. Mixing
and application rates are found in the directions. Areas
where use of the chemical is forbidden, e.g., schools,
parks, gardens, and playgrounds, may also be listed.
Instructions on worker notification also appear in this
section. All instructions needed for proper application of
the product are included in the Directions for Use.
Field Entry
Requirements
In accordance with
the 1992 Worker Protection Standard, pesticide labels contain instructions
for entry into recently treated fields. The length of time during which
activity in the field is to be limited is included on the label.
Workers are to be
notified of recent pesticide applications according to the label. Specific
notification instructions are included on the label.
Both of these requirements
are discussed in detail in Extension Publication 1866, Worker
Protection Standard Overview.
Precautionary
Statements
This section includes
specific safety precautions to use with the pesticide. The statements
may include warnings about specific areas of the body that may be susceptible
to harm by this pesticide. Necessary items of personal protective equipment
are listed on the label. Protective equipment is discussed in detail in
Extension Publication 1843, Personal
Protective Equipment.
Statement of
Practical Treatment
The statement of practical
treatment includes first aid chemical. It is critical to read and understand
this section before attempting to give an accident victim first aid. The
statement includes instructions on whether or not to induce vomiting and
where to call to get emergency help. It may also contain information concerning
treatment if the pesticide is spilled or splashed onto the body or into
the eyes.
Be sure to carry the
label when seeking professional medical treatment. This section will contain
antidote information doctors will need during an emergency. The active
ingredients and formulation found on the label will also be needed by
the medical staff. First aid for chemical injuries is discussed in detail
in Extension Publication 1862, Pesticide
Injuries and First Aid.
Storage and
Disposal
Instructions on
storage and disposal of pesticides and containers are found
on the label. Instructions to mix only the necessary amount
of pesticides may be included in the statements. Containers
must be triple or pressure-rinsed, and the rinsate should be
applied to the treated field. Dispose of containers through
a recycling program or in an approved sanitary landfill.
Never burn or bury empty pesticide containers.
Environmental
Hazards
Environmental hazards
include the toxic effects on wildlife and the environment. Bees, birds,
and fish are often the most susceptible to poisoning by an accidental
release of a pesticide. Take care to avoid applying or accidentally spilling
any chemical near a beehive or water supply. Livestock and pets can be
harmed by toxins, and care should be taken so nearby animals are not poisoned.
Consider weather conditions
before making an application. Suitable conditions for pesticide application
are defined on the label.
Before using any
pesticide
STOP
Read the label
Partial
support for this publication is provided by Mississippi Department of
Agriculture and Commerce, Bureau of Plant Industry, and U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency.
By
Herbert Willcutt, Extension Agricultural Engineer, and Trent
Spencer, Program Assistant, Extension Agricultural Engineering.
Mississippi
State University
does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national
origin, sex, age, disability, or veteran status.
Information Sheet
1471
Extension Service of Mississippi State University, cooperating with U.S.
Department of Agriculture.
Published in furtherance of Acts of Congress, May 8 and June 30, 1914.
Ronald A. Brown, Director
Copyright
by Mississippi State University. All rights reserved.
This document may be copied and distributed for nonprofit educational
purposes provided that credit is given to the Mississippi State University
Extension Service.
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