Reading and Understanding the Pesticide Label Page 29

The Pesticide Label Label Pesticidal Qualities = FIFRA Federal Insecticide Fungicide and Rodenticide Act FIFRA, Section 3 = certain information = standard format

Purpose of a label Instructions – “user’s manual” Consistent use User safety Environmental safety Use patterns and restrictions How much to use Allowable sites Consistent use

Attached to the container The Label Attached to the container Labeling Add’l info provided by manufacturer - leaflets - flyers - pamphlets

Why Read The Label? Label is a legal document -Requirements -Not suggestions!

Reflects the risk & benefits of the pesticide Labels and Labeling Reflects the risk & benefits of the pesticide Disposal Safety Storage Insecto ™ is diotomaceous earth and has a label Use

Reading The Label Before You Buy! Controls the target pest? Application conditions? heat or drought? proper equipment setup? Where can it be used? Pesticides are site specific How much will I need Know how to mix and plan! What safety equipment (PPE)?

Reading The Label Before Mixing PPE? Compatibility? Add’l PPE for mixing Compatibility? How much do I need to mix? Acres x product rate = Amount to add to tank 10 acres x 1 pint/acre = 10 pints Mixing order?

Reading The Label Before Application PPE? Timing Correct Application Sprayer volume okay? GPA Restrictions Surface & ground water Sensitive areas – crops, etc. Re-entry or grazing intervals

Before Storing or disposal Reading The Label Where & how to store Temperature? With other pesticides? Disposal of surplus pesticide Apply to labeled site? Cleaning containers for disposal Triple Rinsing Before Storing or disposal

Ready Access to information PESTICIDE LABELS Standard Format Section 3, FIFRA Provides for: Ready Access to information

Parts of Pesticide Labeling Restricted or General Use Statement Its nice to know the type of formulation so that you can plan for what kind of safety gear you need. Wet formulations such as Emulsifiable concentrates and Soluble liquids are more easily absorbed whereas dry formulations such as wettable powders (WP) and Dust are more easily inhaled, especially during mixing and loading. The “K” in Tordon 22K means it’s a potassium salt, salts are more soluble in water, but also potassium salts tend to react more with hard water minerals and may cause problems

Brand Name Trade Name Ingredient Statement

Parts of Pesticide Labeling Signal Words Danger–Poison – it can kill you! Danger – usually associated with skin or eye damage Warning -moderately toxic Caution - least toxic Signal words indicate acute toxicity only (single short term dose).

Precautionary Statements Associated Hazards People and animals Precautions to heed Environmental Non-target Avoiding contamination Physical and Chemical

EPA Reg. No. EPA EST. No. Contents Manufacturer The EPA registration number uniquely identifies the pesticide. The EPA Establishment number is found on the actual labels and tells where the product was manufactured. It is not on this slide because the label came from a sample book. Manufacturer

Precautionary Statements What safety gear to wear (PPE) Statement of practical treatment (first aid) Instructions on how to respond to an emergency exposure involving the product Precautionary Statements What safety gear to wear (PPE) User Precautions

Brand Name Ingredients PPE EPA #’s Signal Word User Precautions First Aid

WORKER PROTECTION STANDARD Non-agricultural Use Requirements PPE required for REI

Sites

Parts of Pesticide Labeling

Uses inconsistent with the Pesticide Label it is illegal to use a pesticide in any way not permitted by the labeling. Off-site Improper equipment settings Improper rate (lack of calibration) No safety gear worn when the label says you must! Sites must be named in the directions for use. Target pest?

Pesticide Labels You may not use higher dosages higher concentrations more frequent applications

Pesticide Labels You can…. apply a pesticide at any dosage, concentration, or frequency less than that listed on the labeling apply a pesticide against any target pest not listed on the labeling if the application is to a plant, animal, or site that is listed,

Pesticide Labels Allowed uses not mentioned in the labeling - use any appropriate equipment or method of application that is not prohibited by the labeling mix a pesticide or pesticides with a fertilizer if the mixture is not prohibited by the labeling mix two of more pesticides, if all of the dosages are at or below the recommended rate

Material Safety Data Sheets MSDS OSHA Hazard Communication Standard Not intended for use by average or casual applicator Protect workers who handle pure forms or very high concentrations of a chemical for long periods of time Another source of health and safety information