Safely Using Agriculture Chemicals

Objective 9.02

Discuss key signal words and safety precautions on pesticide labels.

Understanding Pesticide Labels

The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) mandates label language and standards. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for interpreting labeling standards and ensures that they are followed

The Label is the Law. “It is a violation of Federal law to use this product in a manner inconsistent with its labeling.”

Understanding Pesticide Labels

Required label information that must be on the label which is on or ‘securely attached’ to the container

Reading a Pesticide Label

Restricted Use Pesticide Statement (if applicable) General pesticides

Purchased and applied by the general public Restricted pesticides

Purchased by a licensed certified applicator only. It may be applied by or under the direct supervision of a licensed certified

applicator

Includes the trade, brand or product name Example is Ortho

Ingredient Statement – name and percentage by weight of each active ingredient and percentage by weight of other inert ingredients

Reading a Pesticide Label

KOOROC Statement – hazard statement “Keep Out Of Reach Of Children” on almost all end-use products

Signal word – appear on front panel of the label and are determined by the most severe toxicity category the pesticide meets or by the presence of methanol at a greater level than 4% Danger Warning Caution

Signal Words

Danger (not all danger pesticides have skull and crossbones)It is highly toxic in at least one category – orally,

dermally, through inhalation and/or causes severe eye or skin burn

Toxicity category I – from a few drops to less than a teaspoon may be lethal if swallowed (oral toxicity)

Signal Words

WarningIs moderately toxic in at least one category – orally,

dermally, through inhalation, and moderate eye and skin irritation

Toxicity category II – from one teaspoon to a tablespoon may be lethal if swallowed (oral toxicity)

Signal Words

CautionIs slightly toxic to relatively non-toxic orally, dermally,

or through inhalation, or causes slight eye and skin irritation

Toxicity category III – from one ounce to over a pint may be swallowed before being lethal (oral toxicity)

Skull and Crossbones Symbol

When you see a Skull and Crossbones Symbol and the word Poison (written in red)Only found on pesticides identified as Category I

Toxicity (most deadly)Based on at least one acute toxicity rating for acute

oral, acute dermal, or acute inhalation, or contains more than 4% methanol

Reading a Pesticide Label

First Aid Statement – statement of practical treatment states what to do if a person swallows or is poisoned by spilling the chemical on the skinThis section will also have the toll free phone number

for the National Pesticides Information CenterNet contents/Net weight – measure of contents

Reading a Pesticide Label

EPA Registration Number and EPA Establishment Number – identifies the facility that produced the productAllows for tracking products

Company Name and Address – identifies who produced or registered the product

Reading a Pesticide Label

Precautionary Statements including:Hazards to Humans and Domestic Animals – identifies

the particular route and rate of exposure as well as precautions

First Aid – for various routes of exposureEnvironmental Hazard – indicates that the product may

have undesirable effects in the environment (non-target organisms) especially to wildlife such as bees, fish, and birds

Physical or Chemical Hazard – informs individuals of specific fire or explosion hazards

Reading a Pesticide Label

Directions for use – including mixing and application for various pests. Tells how to legally use and how the product must not be used and includes information about the site, pest(s) controlled, application method, rate of application, and timing of application May Include Worker Protection procedures

PPE – personal protective equipment Examples : masks, coveralls, respirators, gloves, safety glasses or goggles,

rubber boots Reentry time may be in this section as well – how much time must pass before

reentering a treated area Storage and Disposal instructions Warranty Statement

General Information

Referral Statement to Directions for Use in booklet, if any (supplemental labeling)

“Securely attached” means the label can reasonably be expected to remain affixed during the foreseeable conditions and period of use

General Environmental Statement states to watch for run off, avoid applying on windy days and keep pesticides out of storm water sewer drains

Pesticide Safety

The most important rule in pesticide safety is to read and follow all directions on the pesticide label because all other rules are included in this one

Pesticide Labels

Choosing Pesticides

North Carolina Agricultural Chemicals ManualMay be purchased from NC State UniversityMay be viewed online at:

http://ipm.ncsu.edu/agchem/agchem.html

Pesticide Classification

General Use Can be purchased and applied by the general public

Restricted UseCan be purchased by a license certified applicator only,

but may be applied by or under the direct supervision of a licensed certified applicator

UnclassifiedPesticides are those that do not meet minimum

requirements to be included in general use pesticides

Types of Pesticides

Insecticide – kills insectsHerbicide – kills unwanted plants

Selective herbicides kill specific weeds or plantsNon-selective herbicides kill all plants with which they

come in contactFungicide – controls fungiOthers – rodenticides, molluscicides, etc.

Pesticide Forms of Substance

Dust – most contain low percentage of active ingredient with dry, inert carrier made from talc, chalk, clay

Wettable powder – (dry – sprayable) - a solid pesticide formulation – micronized to powder form and typically applied as suspended particles after dispersion in water

Fumigant – gases, Methyl bromide is banned, extremely deadly and harmful to environment

Liquid – includes Emulsifiable Concentrates (EC), Solutions (S), Ready-to-use Low Concentration Solutions (RTU), Ultra-Low Volume (ULV), Flowables (F)/Liquids (L)

Granular – large pieces of pesticide (baits)

REMEMBER!!

SAFETY IS THE MOST IMPORTANT CONSIDERATION WHEN WORKING WITH ANY PESTICIDE.

MOST IMPORTANT SAFETY RULE IS ‘READ AND FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS’. ALL THE RULES ARE INCLUDED IN THIS ONE RULE!