Pesticide Labels and Labeling

1. Pesticide Labels and Labeling Stephen J. Toth, Jr. Wayne G. Buhler Department of Entomology Department of Horticultural Science North Carolina State University North Carolina State University

2. Pesticide Labels and Labeling • Label: information printed on or attached to the pesticide container North Carolina Pesticide Applicator Training Program

3. Pesticide 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

4. Pesticide 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

5. EPA 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

6. Parts 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.)

7. Parts 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 Applicator Training Program

8. Parts 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

9. Parts 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

10. Parts 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

11. Parts 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

12. Parts 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

13. Parts 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)

14. Parts 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

15. Reading 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

16. Reading 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

17. Material 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

18. Contents 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

19. Contents 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

20. Contents 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

21. Contents 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

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