Pesticide Labels and Labeling Stephen J. Toth, Jr.Wayne G. Buhler Department of EntomologyDepartment of Horticultural ScienceNorth Carolina State University

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

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

Pesticide Labels and Labeling n Pesticide labeling gives users instructions on how to use the product safely and correctly n Pesticide users are required by law to comply with all the instructions and directions for use in pesticide labeling

EPA Approval of Labeling n EPA has certain labeling information requirements and must approve all language proposed by the manufacturer n EPA reviews labeling to make sure use it contains the information needed for safe and effective use of the product n Labeling supported by toxicity, residue and environmental data from manufacturer n EPA must approve any changes in labeling

Parts of a Pesticide Label n 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 Label n 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

Parts of a Pesticide Label n 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 n Registration Number: the EPA registration number must be on label; indicates that the product has been approved by EPA

Parts of a Pesticide Label n 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 n 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 Label n Net Contents: amount of pesticide in the container; expressed in pounds, gallons, pints, etc.; located on front panel of label n Type of Pesticide: short statement indicating what the product will control; on front panel n 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 Label n 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 n Danger: pesticide is highly toxic, likely to cause acute illness (with Poison/Skull and Crossbones) or severe eye or skin irritation n Warning: pesticide is moderately toxic n Caution: pesticide is slightly toxic

Parts of a Pesticide Label n Statement of Practical Treatment: instructions on how to respond to emergency exposure to product (i.e., first aid); usually on front panel of label n 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 Label n 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 n Pests that the manufacturer claims the product will control n Sites which the product is intended to protect n The correct amount of pesticide to use (rate)

Parts of a Pesticide Label n Instructions for mixing and applying product n Directions on when and how often the product can be applied n Statement on when people can enter the treated area after the application n Instructions on the storage and disposal of the pesticide and container n Restrictions on the use of the product

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

Reading the Pesticide Label n 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 n 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 Sheets n 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) n Uniform Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) has been mandated and most manufacturers have complied

Contents of a MSDS n Product Specifications: trade name, chemical name, common name, CAS number, etc. n Health Hazards: acute and chronic effects of the chemical, route(s) of entry, etc. n Toxicological Data: oral, dermal, inhalation LD50s; eye and skin effects; data on chronic, carcinogenic, mutagenic, developmental, reproductive and neurological effects

Contents of a MSDS n Ecological Data: effects on the environment n First Aid Measures: first aid for the various types of exposures; antidotes for poisonings n Handling Precautions: information on the proper handling and storage of the product, personal protective equipment n Fire and Explosion Hazards: flash points of the chemical, extinguishing media, and fire- fighting precautions

Contents of a MSDS n Spill or Leak Procedures: instructions for containing and cleaning up spills and leaks n Disposal Procedures: directions for proper disposal of the chemical n Physical Data: form, color, odor, molecular weight, boiling point, melting/freezing point, and solubility (in water) of the chemical n Stability and Reactivity: effects of moisture, temperature and other factors on the chemical

Contents of a MSDS n Transportation Information: hazard class of the chemical, placarding requirements and emergency telephone numbers n Manufacturer Information: name and address, emergency telephone numbers, disclaimers

ReferenceReference n Applying Pesticides Correctly: A Guide for Private and Commercial Applicators. Unit 2: Pesticide Labeling. pp