Pesticide Labels and Labeling

Pesticide Labels and Labeling

Stephen J. Toth, Jr. Wayne G. BuhlerDepartment of Entomology Department of Horticultural ScienceNorth Carolina State University North Carolina State University

Pesticide Labels and LabelingPesticide Labels and LabelingPesticide Labels and LabelingPesticide Labels and Labeling Label: information printed on or attached to the

pesticide container

North Carolina Pesticide ApplicatorTraining Program

Pesticide Labels and LabelingPesticide Labels and LabelingPesticide Labels and LabelingPesticide Labels and Labeling Labeling: includes the label, plus all other

information you receive from the manufacturer about the product (e.g., brochures, leaflets)

North Carolina Pesticide Applicator Training Program

Pesticide Labels and LabelingPesticide Labels and LabelingPesticide Labels and LabelingPesticide Labels and Labeling

Pesticide labeling gives users instructions on how to use the product safely and correctly

Pesticide users are required by law to comply with all the instructions and directions for use in pesticide labeling

EPA Approval of LabelingEPA Approval of LabelingEPA Approval of LabelingEPA Approval of Labeling

EPA has certain labeling information requirements and must approve all language proposed by the manufacturer

EPA reviews labeling to make sure use it contains the information needed for safe and effective use of the product

Labeling supported by toxicity, residue and environmental data from manufacturer

EPA must approve any changes in labeling

Parts of a Pesticide LabelParts of a Pesticide LabelParts of a Pesticide LabelParts of a Pesticide Label

Restricted-Use Classification: pesticides classified for “restricted use” must have the statement “RESTRICTED USE PESTICIDE” in a box at the top of label; reasons for the designation may be stated (acute toxicity, ground water concerns, etc.)

Parts of a Pesticide LabelParts of a Pesticide LabelParts of a Pesticide LabelParts of a Pesticide Label Brand Name: brand or trade name of the product

given by manufacturer (e.g., Roundup); located on the front panel of the label

North Carolina Pesticide ApplicatorTraining Program

Parts of a Pesticide LabelParts of a Pesticide LabelParts of a Pesticide LabelParts of a Pesticide Label

Ingredient Statement: active ingredients and their percentages of the total product must be on label; listed by chemical and/or common name (e.g., glyphosate); inert ingredients not required to be named, but their percentage of the total product must be on label

Registration Number: the EPA registration number must be on label; indicates that the product has been approved by EPA

Parts of a Pesticide LabelParts of a Pesticide LabelParts of a Pesticide LabelParts of a Pesticide Label

Establishment Number: must be on label or container; identifies the facility where the product was manufactured; needed in case of questions or concerns regarding product

Name and Address of Manufacturer: name and address of the manufacturer or distributor of the product must be identified on label

Parts of a Pesticide LabelParts of a Pesticide LabelParts of a Pesticide LabelParts of a Pesticide Label Net Contents: amount of pesticide in the

container; expressed in pounds, gallons, pints, etc.; located on front panel of label

Type of Pesticide: short statement indicating what the product will control; on front panel

Type of Formulation: information on the formulation may be included on label, often as a part of the brand name; abbreviated form (e.g., WP or EC) generally used

Parts of a Pesticide LabelParts of a Pesticide LabelParts of a Pesticide LabelParts of a Pesticide Label Signal Words and Symbols: signal words

“Danger”, “Warning” or “Caution” must appear in large letters on front panel of label; indicates how toxic the product is to humans

Danger: pesticide is highly toxic, likely to cause acute illness (with Poison/Skull and Crossbones) or severe eye or skin irritation

Warning: pesticide is moderately toxic Caution: pesticide is slightly toxic

Parts of a Pesticide LabelParts of a Pesticide LabelParts of a Pesticide LabelParts of a Pesticide Label Statement of Practical Treatment: instructions

on how to respond to emergency exposure to product (i.e., first aid); usually on front panel of label

Precautionary Statements: statements on the hazards of the product to humans and domestic animals (acute, chronic and allergic effects), personal protection equipment, environmental hazards, and physical or chemical hazards

Parts of a Pesticide LabelParts of a Pesticide LabelParts of a Pesticide LabelParts of a Pesticide Label Directions for Use: directly under the heading

“DIRECTIONS FOR USE” is the following statement: It is a violation of Federal law to use this product in a manner inconsistent with its labeling

Pests that the manufacturer claims the product will control

Sites which the product is intended to protect The correct amount of pesticide to use (rate)

Parts of a Pesticide LabelParts of a Pesticide LabelParts of a Pesticide LabelParts of a Pesticide Label

Instructions for mixing and applying product Directions on when and how often the product

can be applied Statement on when people can enter the

treated area after the application Instructions on the storage and disposal of the

pesticide and container Restrictions on the use of the product

Reading the Pesticide LabelReading the Pesticide LabelReading the Pesticide LabelReading the Pesticide Label

Prior to Purchase: the product should meet your pest control needs; you must be able to use it safely; you should have the proper equipment for application; the concentration of the product should be in the range suitable for the area you are treating

Prior to Mixing: check the personal protective equipment required, specific warnings, mixing directions, amount needed and compatibility

Reading the Pesticide LabelReading the Pesticide LabelReading the Pesticide LabelReading the Pesticide Label

Prior to Application: determine if the product is registered for the site, when to apply, safety measures required, proper application rate, use restrictions, proper application method(s), and special instructions

Prior to Storage and Disposal: learn where and how to store the product, where not to store it, and how to dispose of the excess pesticide and container

Material Safety Data SheetsMaterial Safety Data SheetsMaterial Safety Data SheetsMaterial Safety Data Sheets

In response to public demands for the “right-to-know”, federal government requires employers to maintain information on those materials kept on their premises (mandated by Occupational Safety & Health Administration)

Uniform Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) has been mandated and most manufacturers have complied

Contents of a MSDSContents of a MSDSContents of a MSDSContents of a MSDS

Product Specifications: trade name, chemical name, common name, CAS number, etc.

Health Hazards: acute and chronic effects of the chemical, route(s) of entry, etc.

Toxicological Data: oral, dermal, inhalation LD50s; eye and skin effects; data on chronic, carcinogenic, mutagenic, developmental, reproductive and neurological effects

Contents of a MSDSContents of a MSDSContents of a MSDSContents of a MSDS Ecological Data: effects on the environment First Aid Measures: first aid for the various

types of exposures; antidotes for poisonings Handling Precautions: information on the

proper handling and storage of the product, personal protective equipment

Fire and Explosion Hazards: flash points of the chemical, extinguishing media, and fire-fighting precautions

Contents of a MSDSContents of a MSDSContents of a MSDSContents of a MSDS Spill or Leak Procedures: instructions for

containing and cleaning up spills and leaks Disposal Procedures: directions for proper

disposal of the chemical Physical Data: form, color, odor, molecular

weight, boiling point, melting/freezing point, and solubility (in water) of the chemical

Stability and Reactivity: effects of moisture, temperature and other factors on the chemical

Contents of a MSDSContents of a MSDSContents of a MSDSContents of a MSDS

Transportation Information: hazard class of the chemical, placarding requirements and emergency telephone numbers

Manufacturer Information: name and address, emergency telephone numbers, disclaimers

ReferenceReferenceReferenceReference

Applying Pesticides Correctly: A Guide for Private and Commercial Applicators. Unit 2: Pesticide Labeling. pp. 15-27.