Downloaded 17 times
Uploaded byBlack and White indst.
Pointe pest label
This document discusses pesticide labeling requirements and regulations. It explains that pesticide labels provide important safety information for users, including directions for use, personal protective equipment requirements, and environmental hazard statements. The labeling process is extensive, involving years of laboratory and field testing to determine toxicity, efficacy, and environmental impacts before the EPA approves a pesticide product's registration and label. Users must always read and follow all label instructions to protect their safety and comply with the law.
More Related Content
Pointe pest label
- 1.
- 2. Pesticide Labeling This willhelp you: • Understand the basis behind pesticide labels • Read a pesticide label and understand names, ingredients, formulations, signal words, precaution statements, and environmental hazard statements • Understand directions for mixing and loading, application, storage, and disposal
- 3. Labels and “Labeling” •Pesticide users must comply with all label instructions! • Labeling = the label itself, plus all other information referenced on the label or received from the manufacturer (brochures and leaflets)
- 4. The Environmental Protection Agency •EPA reviews every pesticide product • EPA may require labeling changes • EPA must approve labeling language
- 5. Laboratory Screening Pesticide Product Laboratoryand Field Testing Label Registration What does it take to register a new pesticide?? 6+ years Millions
- 6. • Toxicity ortoxicological tests • Manufacturers conduct scientific tests • Efficacy or performance tests • Degradation (breakdown), mobility & residue • Effects on non-target species and the environment • EPA reviews the data and the label What happens before you see a pesticide label?
- 7. How poisonous ordangerous is a pesticide to humans, wildlife, and other non-target organisms? Toxicity or Toxicological Tests Q2Q2 8989
- 8. Efficacy Tests • Doesthe pesticide manage the pest? • Does the pesticide cause plant damage - phytotoxicity?
- 9. Pesticide Testing Degradation, mobility,and residue tests • What happens to the pesticide after it is applied? • Does it move through soil to the groundwater? • Does it move into plants from the soil?
- 10. Pesticide Testing The environmentalimpacts that could result from application of a pesticide must be determined prior to product registration. How does the pesticide affect bees, birds, fish and other wildlife? Does the pesticide move readily with water and have the potential to enter surface or ground water?
- 11. The Label It’s importantto read the entire label before using a pesticide.
- 12. Read the labelbefore… • Buying the pesticide • Storing the pesticide • Mixing and applying the pesticide • Disposing of unused pesticide and empty containers
- 13. Trade, Brand, orProduct Name The brand name “PLANTGUARD 50W” indicates the registered trade name is PLANTGUARD, it is formulated as a wettable powder, and it contains 50% active ingredient PLANTGUARD 5OWPLANTGUARD 5OW ORNAMENTAL FUNGICIDEORNAMENTAL FUNGICIDE UNIRAYUNIRAY CHEMICALCHEMICAL
- 14. Ingredient Statement • Activeingredients (ai): chemicals responsible for pesticidal activity or perform desired function • Inert ingredients: usually not named, but their percentage of total contents must be shown, have no pesticidal activity COMPOSITION Active Ingredients: (% by weight) Carbaryl (1-naphthyl N-methylcarbamate)..........................................................20.0% Inert Ingredients.......................................................................................................80.0% Total:......................................................................................................................100.0 SEVINSEVIN
- 15. Chemical Name Identifies chemicalcomponents and structure of the active ingredient
- 16. Common Name • Shortversion of the chemical name • Examples: carbaryl, imidacloprid, dichlobenil, glyphosate, 2,4-D, permethrin, chlorothalonil • Purchase pesticides according to their common names!
- 17. Use Classification Statement RestrictedUse or Unclassified/General Use RESTRICTED USE PESTICIDERESTRICTED USE PESTICIDE For retail sale to and use only by certified applicators or persons under their direct supervision and only for those uses covered by the certified applicator’s certification.
- 18. Use Classification Statement Restricted-usepesticides • potential to harm humans, non-target organisms or the environment • applicators must be certified and demonstrate competence Unclassified or General-use pesticides • typically have lower toxicity and can be used by the general public General Use This product is intended for use by homeowners for the purpose of controlling wasps around homes.
- 19. Type of Pesticide Pesticidesinclude • Insecticide = insects • Herbicide = weeds, brush, trees • Disinfectant = germs • Rodenticide = Rodents Label indicates what pests the product will control
- 20. Net Contents • Eachcontainer states the total amount of product • Expressed as pounds, ounces, gallons, pints, etc. • Determine total active ingredient per container, use rate of active ingredient (Ai) in the container • Dry formulations: use % Ai • Liquids: use the lb Ai/gal equivalent on the label
- 21. Required Label Information •Name and address of manufacturer • EPA registration number, except 25(b) identifies manufacturer and specific product • EPA establishment number identifies the facility that produced the product
- 22. Signal Words andSymbols • Signal words indicate the relative acute toxicity to humans and animals • Very low toxicity signal words not required • “Keep Out of Reach of Children” Danger-Poison Danger Warning Caution
- 23. DANGER - POISON Highlytoxic by any route of entry DANGER-POISON PELIGRO PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS HAZARDS TO HUMANS AND DOMESTIC ANIMALS Signal Words
- 25. Signal Words DANGER = cancause severe eye damage or skin irritation; not highly toxic if inhaled or swallowed DANGER PELIGRO PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS HAZARDS TO HUMANS AND DOMESTIC ANIMALS DANGER Causes irreversible eye damage.....
- 27. More Signal Words CAUTION WARNING AVISO =slightly toxic either orally, dermally, or by breathing, or may cause slight eye and skin irritation = moderately toxic either orally, dermally, or by breathing, or may cause moderate eye and/or skin irritation
- 30. Choose the leasttoxic chemical that gives the desired level of control!
- 31. Provide important information toprotect the pesticide user Precautionary Statements
- 32. Precautionary Statements include… • Routesof entry statements • “May be fatal if swallowed or inhaled” • Specific action statements • “Avoid contact with skin or clothing” • Protective clothing and equipment statements
- 33. Always read precautionarystatements prior to mixing, loading or applying a pesticide. The hazards to humans and domestic animals and the steps to minimize exposure are outlined. This label section includes the required personal protective equipment or PPE that is required when mixing and loading or those required for applying the pesticide. Precautionary Statements
- 34. In the followingslide, mixers and loaders must wear a long-sleeved shirt and long pants or coveralls worn over long-sleeved shirt and short (or long) pants, chemical- resistant gloves, shoes plus socks, protective eyewear and a chemical- resistant apron. Note that applicators don’t require the same level of protection since the product has already been diluted in the tank. Precautionary Statements
- 35.
- 36. Specific Action Statements: Thespecific action statement identifies the hazard and the action to minimize the potential hazard.
- 37. Specific Action Statements: manyproducts are hazardous in more than one way--read carefully! Causes irreversible eye damage. Wear goggles or face shield when handling. Harmful if swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through skin. Do not get in eyes, on skin or on clothing. Avoid breathing dust. Prolonged or frequently repeated skin contact with this product may cause allergic skin reactions in some individuals. Wash thoroughly with soap and water after handling.
- 38. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) •Follow all directions stated on the label! • Lack of a statement does NOT mean you do not need further protection PROTECTIVE CLOTHING REQUIREMENTS When making applications, applicators must wear: a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, mid-forearm length protective gloves and protective boots. In addition, a protective apron and goggles or face shield must be worn during mixing/loading.
- 39. Other Precautionary Statements •Remove and wash contaminated clothing… • Not for use or storage in and around a house Causes irreversible eye damage. Wear goggles or face shield when handling. Harmful if swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through skin. Do not get in eyes, on skin or on clothing. Avoid breathing dust. Prolonged or frequently repeated skin contact with this product may cause allergic skin reactions in some individuals. Wash thoroughly with soap and water after handling.
- 40. The Statement ofPractical Treatment section on the label describes the first aid treatments to perform if an exposure incident occurs. Statement of Practical Treatment
- 41. Statement of PracticalTreatment STATEMENT OF PRACTICAL TREATMENT IF IN EYES: Hold eyelids open and flush with a steady stream of water for 15 minutes. Get medical attention. IF SWALLOWED: Call a physician or Poison Control Center. Drink 1 or 2 glasses of water and induce vomiting by touching back of throat with finger, or if available, by administering syrup of Ipecac. Do not induce vomiting or give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. IF INHALED: Remove victim to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration, preferably mouth-to-mouth. Get medical attention. IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of soap and water. Get medical attention. First-aid treatments for poisoning or accidental exposure
- 42. • Have thenotes to the physician describing medical treatment for poisoning emergencies and may identify an antidote • Have labels available in case of an emergency! Statement of Practical Treatment
- 43. Environmental Hazard Statements • Providesinformation on environmental impacts associated with the pesticide ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS This product is extremely toxic to aquatic and estuarine invertebrates. Do not contaminate water by cleaning equipment or disposal of wastes. BEE CAUTION: MAY KILL HONEYBEES IN SUBSTANTIAL NUMBERS. This product is highly toxic to bees exposed to direct treatment or residues on blooming crops or weeds. Do not apply this product or allow it to drift to blooming crops or weeds if bees are visiting the treatment area.
- 44. Physical or ChemicalHazards • Describes any special, fire, explosive or chemical hazards • Flammable: Do not use, pour, spill, or store near heat or open flame. Do not cut or weld container • Corrosive: Store only in a corrosion-resistant tank • Hazard statements on labels are not necessarily located in same place!
- 45. Storage and Disposal •Provides general instructions for storage and disposal of the pesticide and it’s container
- 46. Directions for Use Willtell you: • Crops or sites intended for protection • Pests the manufacturer claims the product will control • How to mix and apply the product • Phytotoxicity and other effects • How to minimize drift Instructions on how to use the product
- 48. Examples of Misuse: •Applying to a site not stated on the label • Applying at a higher-than-labeled rate • Mishandling (such as storing near food or water) KNOW YOUR PESTICIDE LABEL! FOLLOW THE LABEL!
- 49. Remember… • The hostor site must be on the label, but the pest does not have to be listed
- 50. Remember… • Deviation: Apesticide may be applied at a lower dose than specified on the label, but not at a higher dose! • Deviation: Pesticides may be combined with other substances unless prohibited by the label
- 51. Material Safety DataSheets (MSDS) • Manufacturers required to develop and provide upon request for each product • Get from your dealer • Details a product’s composition, properties, hazards, first-aid procedures • Companies required to keep MSDS for workers in contact with the substance
- 52. Parts of MSDS •Chemical product information (active and inert ingredients) • Physical and chemical properties • Solubility, vapor pressure, stability, freezing/boiling point • Fire and explosion hazards • Toxicological Information/ Human Health Data • Acute, chronic, and delayed toxicity, carcinogenicity, teratogenicity • Personal Protective equipment • Other information – similar to pesticide label
- 54. Key points • Followlabel directions carefully! • Read the label before buying, mixing, applying, storage, and disposal • Be familiar with names, signal words, symbols • Know the use instructions & precautions • Protect yourself beyond the label requirements • It’s the applicator’s responsibility!
- 55. Acknowledgements • Beth Long,University of Tennessee • Ed Crow, Maryland Dept. of Agriculture • Jeanne Kasai, US EPA • Susan Whitney King, University of Delaware • Becky Hines, Washington State University Urban IPM & Pesticide Safety Education
Editor's Notes
- #2 Pesticide Labeling. Chapter 3.
- #3 Anyone who applies pesticide must have an understanding of pesticide labeling. This module will help you Understand what is required for a pesticide label to be approved and a product registered. It will also cover important information on how pesticides are named, how ingredients are defined and types of formulations. Safety portions of the label that address personal and environmental safety will be reviewed. Lastly, I’ll cover an overview of some portions of the directions for use section of a label.
- #4 It’s a federal and state requirement that pesticide users read and follow all label directions. That includes not only the label itself, but any additional brochures or leaflets referenced on the label or received from the manufacturer. The label and all its pieces provides instructions to protect human health and the environment and achieve effective pest management.
- #5 The Environmental Protection Agency or EPA is the federal agency responsible for the registration of all pesticide products. EPA determines if there is sufficient data to register the product and then reviews all of the data required for registration. EPA may require manufacturers make changes to a label. Before the product can enter the channels of trade, EPA must approve the label and register the product.
- #6 Before a pesticide product is registered by EPA, a significant amount of data must be collected and analyzed by the company interested in registering the pesticide. Chemical companies may screen thousand of compounds in the laboratory to find a single promising active ingredient. The active ingredient must then be tested in the laboratory, field and sometimes in the greenhouse. A wide range of studies are conducted during the testing phase. The company spends many years and invests millions of dollars to complete this phase. It’s only after the data is submitted to EPA for review and the label is approved that the pesticide product can be sold.
- #7 The extensive testing required prior to pesticide product registration includes many different tests to understand the hazards. This is one of the reasons that pesticides, especially new pesticides are so costly. Manufacturers have to conduct toxicity, efficacy, degradation, efficacy, and environmental fate studies in order to submit a total data package to EPA for review. Let’s look at a couple of these studies.
- #8 Toxicity or toxicological tests are conducted in a laboratory setting. Generally, laboratory animals, such as rats and rabbits are exposed to the pesticide to determine what amount causes everything from ill effects to death.
- #9 Efficacy tests are conducted to determine how well the pesticide manages the target pest under laboratory, field and possibly greenhouse conditions. EPA only reviews efficacy data for antimicrobrials and termiticides. The rate and timing of application is identified during these trials. Plant damage can sometimes result from insecticide and fungicide applications, particularly with emulsifiable concentrates under slow-drying conditions. The pesticide must be evaluated for its ability to cause plant damage. Labels use the term phytotoxicity to mean plant injury or damage.
- #10 Whether is was DDT remaining in fat cells of animals or pesticides getting into drinking water, environmental impacts must be measured prior to pesticide registration. Manufactures must know what happens to a pesticide after it’s applied – does it degrade quickly or slowly, does it move with water easily, does it change into a gas phase or vapor. Special tests are required to assess the potential to move with water into groundwater. Another concern is how well it can move into plants from soils.
- #11 The environmental impacts that could result from application of a pesticide must be determined prior to product registration. How does the pesticide affect bees, birds, fish and other wildlife? Does the pesticide move readily with water and have the potential to enter surface or ground water?
- #13 It’s important to read the entire label before buying a pesticide. Make certain that it’s labeled for the crop or site where you intend to make the application and that you have the necessary application equipment. Read the label before storing the pesticide in case there are special storage considerations. Read the label before mixing and applying the pesticide, so you know the correct rates, timing of application and proper personal protective equipment required. Read the label before disposing of unused pesticide and empty containers, because the label often outlines disposal requirements and options, including recycling of triple-rinsed containers. The label is the foundation document for safely and effectively using the product. Make sure you understand the different parts of the label and what’s required when handling a product. Let’s spend the next few minutes reviewing the major parts of the label.
- #14 Pesticides can be referred to by several different names. Each pesticide product has a trade name, also called a brand or product name. The trade name appears in the first part of the label, usually in large letters. This example shows the trade name is Plantguard 50W. The 50W indicates that the formulated product is a wettable powder with 50% active ingredient. The product name usually must be recorded on application records so make sure you record the full product name as Plantguard 50W. There may be some other products with similar but different names, like Plantguard 70WDG or Plantguard 4EC.
- #15 The ingredient statement appears below the product name on the label. The active ingredients in a pesticide product are the chemicals that have activity against the target pest. Federal law requires the active ingredient be listed and the percentage of the active ingredient is quantified. If there are more than a single active ingredient, each one must be listed. In the example shown here, the product name is Sevin and the active ingredient is carbaryl or 1-naphthyl N-methylcarbamate. The product contains 20% carbaryl by weight. The percentage of inert ingredients must also be quantified in the ingredient statement. However, the chemicals that comprise the inert ingredients don’t need to be named unless there are hazards associated with them.
- #16 Pesticide products must list the actual chemical name of the active ingredient in the ingredient statement. In this example, tetrachloroisophthalonitrile is the chemical name of the active ingredient in Turf Care Turf and Ornamental Fungicide. Because the actual chemical names are very difficult to pronounce and remember, EPA allows manufacturers to use common names of the active ingredient.
- #17 The EPA-accepted common common name is not required, but most labels have them listed since they are much easier to say. There is only one accepted common name for each chemical name. In this example, chlorothalonil is the common name for tetrachloroisohthalonitrile. A few examples of other common names that you may be familiar with are carbaryl, glyphosate, and 2,4-D. It’s a good idea to purchase pesticides according to their common names to make certain you’re buying the active ingredient that will be effective against the pest you want to manage. Of course, the product label must list the crop or site where you intend to make the application!
- #18 As mentioned in the Federal Law module, pesticide products are classified by EPA as restricted use products or as general or unclassified use. Restricted use pesticides can only be purchased and used by certified applicators or persons under their direct supervision. If a pesticide is classified as EPA restricted use, the Restricted Use Pesticide statement always appears prominently on the front panel of the product label.
- #19 There are different reasons for pesticides to be classified as restricted-use by EPA. The pesticide may pose potential to harm humans, non-target organisms or the environment. To use these products, pesticide applicators must have demonstrated a minimum level of competency and become certified or licensed to purchase and apply them or supervise their use. General or unclassified use pesticides usually have a lower toxicity or pose little harm to the environment. Anyone can purchase and apply these products.
- #20 Pesticide is an umbrella term that includes all the different types of pesticides. One group of pesticide are the insecticides that manage insects. Herbicides control of weeds. Disinfectants kill germs. I want to drive home the point that pesticides includes all the different types: herbicides, insecticides, rodenticides, disinfectants, and the list goes on. People often equate pesticides as insecticides only and don’t recognize that pesticides include all the other products that control other non insect pests. People often say they use pesticides and herbicides, but that is like saying they own dogs and Labrador retrievers; a herbicide is a pesticide and a Labrador retriever is a dog. A label typically lists the type of pesticide and has statements near the product name that indicates what the product controls.
- #21 Each product lists the net contents, which is the total amount of product in a container. Liquids net contents are expressed as gallons, quarts, pints or ounces and dry materials are listed in pounds or dry weight ounces. The total amount of active ingredient in a dry formulation can be determined by multiplying the net contents of product by the percent of active ingredient. For liquid formulations, the label states how many pounds of active ingredient are in a gallon of product, so you simply multiply the net contents by the active ingredient pound per gallon rate to calculate how much active ingredient is in the container.
- #22 Back to the label and its parts. All pesticide products registered by EPA have a unique EPA registration number. Don’t confuse the registration number with the EPA establishment number. The Establishment number identifies the manufacturing plant where the product was produced. The manufacturer name and address also must be included on the label. Application record keeping may require the EPA registration number.
- #23 Signal words appear on all pesticide labels. The signal word on a product label indicates its acute toxicity to humans and animals. It’s the wake up and pay attention hazard statement. Almost all professionally used pesticides have signal words. Only those products with very low toxicities are exempt from requiring signal words on labels. All labels also include the statement “Keep Out of Reach of Children”. There are four different signal words: Danger-Poison, Danger (alone), Warning, and Caution.
- #24 The signal word Danger – Poison, Peligro, with a skull and crossbones indicates that the product is highly toxic by any route of entry into the body and toxic at very low doses. The Danger-Poison signal word indicates that this product can kill you when you’ve been exposed to low doses – note the skull and crossbones. Several insecticides, fumigants and rodenticides carry the danger-poison peligro signal words.
- #25 You can see the Danger Poison signal word is listed in red with skull and crossbones and the signal word appears in a prominent place on the label so the user can quickly assess the relative acute toxicity of the product. Note the product is also restricted use.
- #26 The “Danger” signal word indicates an acute effect at low doses; however, these products won’t kill you. But they are extremely damaging physically at low doses. Whereas Danger-Poison means deadly, the signal word Danger alone lets the user know that severe injury, like irreversible eye damage or severe burns can occur when exposed to low doses. Several herbicides carry this signal word.
- #27 Make certain to read the precautionary statements when a pesticide product has the Danger-Peligro signal word. The precautionary statements provide additional information to the user about the hazards of the pesticide, such as severe eye damage or skin irritation.
- #28 The other two signal words are “Warning” and “Caution”. “Warning/Aviso” indicates that the pesticide product is moderately toxic by any route or that it can cause moderate eye or skin irritation. The “Caution” signal word is for products of low toxicity.
- #29 The “Warning” signal word is shown in the first part of the pesticide product label along with the statement “Keep out of reach of children”. Sections on the label entitled “First aid” or a “Statement of Practical Treatment” give the user additional information on first aid procedures to perform if an exposure occurs.
- #30 The signal word “Caution” may have the Spanish word “Precaucion”. Caution indicates low toxicity products.
- #31 When choosing a pesticide product, there may be several choices that effectively manage the target pest. It’s a good idea to choose a chemical with a lower toxicity if it provides the desired level of control. Choosing lower toxicity materials reduces your risks.
- #33 In addition to the signal words, the precautionary statements provide important information to protect the pesticide user. These are especially important with Warning labeled products since the concern is not evident by the signal word alone. Precautionary statements indicate potential acute effects from exposure, like, may be fatal if swallowed or inhaled. They may provide precautions to reduce your risks, like, avoid contact with skin or clothing – so cover up! In addition, the precautionary statements often list specific personal protective equipment for reducing exposures.
- #36 Always read precautionary statements prior to mixing, loading or applying a pesticide. The hazards to humans and domestic animals and the steps to minimize exposure are outlined. This label section includes the required personal protective equipment or PPE that is required when mixing and loading or those required for applying the pesticide. In this example, mixers and loaders must wear a long-sleeved shirt and long pants or coveralls worn over long-sleeved shirt and short (or long) pants, chemical-resistant gloves, shoes plus socks, protective eyewear and a chemical-resistant apron. Note that applicators don’t require the same level of protection since the product has already been diluted in the tank.
- #38 Read specific action statements carefully. Many products have more than one hazard. The specific action statement identifies the hazard and the action to minimize the potential hazard. For example, this product “Causes irreversible eye damage” – identifies the hazard. The user must “Wear goggles or face shield when handling” – states the protective action to take. This example lists several other hazards and protective actions. I want to emphasize how important this section is for assisting the applicator in understanding the specific hazard a product poses.
- #39 It’s required that the user wear all personal protective clothing and equipment listed on the pesticide label. Mixing and loading requires the greatest level of protection and the most PPE since you’re exposed to the most highly concentrated form of the pesticides. As noted a minute ago, people who make applications may not be required to wear the same level of PPE as the mixer/loader. If a label does not specify the personal protective equipment to be worn, at a minimum wear a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, shoes and socks and chemical-resistant gloves to reduce your exposures.
- #40 Pesticide labels may outline other precautions, such as this examples that notes possible allergic reactions might occur following prolonged or repeated skin contact. These precautions may include common-sense considerations when using any pesticide, such as “remove and wash contaminated clothing”.
- #42 The Statement of Practical Treatment section on the label describes the first aid treatments to perform if an exposure incident occurs. Specific first aid treatments are given based on what part of the body was exposed. They typically list the normal routes of exposures: eyes, oral, inhalation, and skin.
- #43 When a person has been exposed and there’s concern due to the exposure, give emergency first aid treatment immediately! Take the victim to a doctor. Take the pesticide label, also. It’s a good idea to have a prepared copy of the labels you work with in a notebook incase an accident occurs. Labels have very important information that the physician needs to treat the exposed person. It may list specific medical treatments including antidotes.
- #44 The next section on the label address environmental concerns. Pesticide products may pose certain hazards to bees, birds, invertebrates, wildlife, or water. The Environmental Hazard Statements specify the hazard a product poses to animals, like aquatic organisms, bees, waterfowl, other birds, and the list goes on. Read this section of the label to assess any concerns that can occur from applying a product. Always use extreme care to protect the environment when applying pesticides. Almost every label lists basic precautions about protecting water sources, other labels may list very specific concerns.
- #45 Some pesticides have physical or chemical concerns. If a product is flammable or corrosive, the label identifies the hazards and how to prevent a hazardous situation. Make sure you read the label completely prior to purchase and application, so you’re knowledgeable about all of the hazards associated with the product. The hazard statements are not always in the same place on every label.
- #46 All labels have a storage and disposal section. This section lists special concerns with storage. Some products become unusable if they overheat or freeze, so labels list storage temperature limits. Disposal language reminds the applicator that wastes must be handled carefully and according to state regulations. The label also reminds applicators to triple rinse empty pesticide container.
- #47 The Directions for Use section of the pesticide label instructs the applicator on how to use the product. Generally, it includes information on the crops or sites where the pesticide can be applied, the target pests, product rates, how to mix and apply the product, potential phytotoxicity or other precautions, and how to manage drift when applying the product.
- #48 The Directions for Use section of a label can be very long and extensive. It’s important that you read the entire label to make sure you are applying the product in a correct manner.
- #49 All pesticide users must read and follow the label to avoid misuse of the pesticide product. Misuse includes application of the pesticide to a host or site not listed on the label. When you apply at a rate higher than listed on the label, it’s a misuse. Improper handling of the pesticide is also misuse.
- #50 Pesticide labels are legal documents and can only be used on sites that are specifically listed on the label. FIFRA does allow for specific deviations from labels. Legally, the host or site where the application is made must be listed on the label, but the target pest does not need to be listed. Pesticide labels allow the applicator to use any application method even a method that’s not specifically listed in the directions for use. There is one exception. To use chemigation, which is the application of a pesticide through an irrigation system, the label must state that chemigation is an allowable application method.
- #51 Legally pesticides can be applied at a rate lower than listed on the label, but never at a rate higher than listed on the label. Finally, it’s legal to tank mix with other pesticides or fertilizers in a spray mixture, UNLESS the label prohibits the mixture. It’s recommended that prior to mixing pesticides in a spray tank that a compatibility test be conducted. Mix relative amounts of pesticides in the proper mixing order in a jar. Observe the mixture for clumping, settling, smoke or other incompatibility indicators. It’s also a good idea to apply a small amount of the mixture to a host plant and examine the plant after a few days for phytotoxicity.
- #52 Material Safety Data Sheets or MSDS’s are provided by the manufacturer for all pesticide products and they provide detailed safety information. Get them from your dealer. The product’s MSDS details the composition, properties, hazards and first aid procedures for the pesticide. They are written for people who manufacturer pesticides but can provide useful safety, first aid and other information. Federal and state Worker Right to Know laws require that Material Safety Data Sheets be kept in a central location where all employees who might come into contact with the pesticide have access to them.
- #53 The material safety data sheets include information about the pesticide’s active and inert ingredients, physical, fire and explosion data, toxicology, and PPE. It provides greater detail when compared to the label. However the label provides all the basic protections and information needed for handling the product.
- #54 The pesticide applicator should become familiar with the information on the material safety data sheets.