1 Understanding Pesticide Labeling Fred Fishel, Ph.D. Department of Agronomy University of Florida/IFAS

2 If pesticides will be involved in the pest management plan, what do I need to consider regarding their use?

3 Understanding the pesticide label is the first consideration when using the product.

4 Labels/Labeling* Label – on or attached to the container Labeling – label plus other manufacturer information *must be approved by and registered with EPA

5 What does it cost to get a pesticide labeled and who pays the cost???

6 A pesticide manufacturer pays on average between 50 and 100 million dollars to get a product to the market place.

7 Who decides if a pesticide is acceptable to go to market?

8 Ultimately, the EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs

9 What does a manufacturer have to consider before developing a new compound? Potential regulations Future markets Public demands How it will fit into management schemes

10 The product to meet tomorrow’s demands must offer… Better efficacy Compatibility with current pest management practices Nonleaching tendencies Less persistence in the environment Reduced residues in food Lower risks to workers and bystanders

11 Synthesis in a test tube Patent review Chemical research Toxicology screening Market research Secondary screening Advanced toxicology The decision to commercialize Field development & product performance, Laboratory & field testing Registration package compiled Applicant submits data package to EPA (about 142 various tests) EPA product manager reviews with their technical support group Commercial label accepted Entire process is 5 to 9 years! Start Finish

12 What are the odds of a chemical ever reaching the marketplace as a pesticide? ???

13 1 in 35,000 chemicals survive the process from the laboratory to the market.

14 What if EPA slips up and grants a label and later finds a problem with that product?

15 EPA has a special mechanism called a “special review.” It is used when there’s… Acute human or animal toxicity Chronic human health effects Hazard to nontarget organisms Risk to threatened or endangered species or their habitat Risk may outweigh the benefits

16 Special reviews result in… No action Altering the label to minimize risk Classifying pesticide for restricted use Eliminating specific uses Cancellation of registration completely

17 There are about 450 active ingredients formulated into about 25,000 products…each will have its own label. Be sure that you have the product’s specific label!

18 Every pesticide label states… “It is a violation of federal law to use this product in a manner inconsistent with its labeling.”

19 “Use” means more than applying, but also… Handling Mixing Loading Storage Transportation Disposal Environmental exposure

20 Brand Name

21 Ingredient Statement ACTIVE INGREDIENTS: Glyphosate, N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine, in the form of its isopropylamine salt ………………………..41.0% INERT INGREDIENTS…………………………59.0% TOTAL: 100.0%

22 EPA Establishment Number Identifies the specific facility that formulated the product

23 Parts of the Label – Signal Words The signal word is prominently displayed on the front panel of the label

24 Child Hazard Warning Every pesticide label bears the statement: “KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN”

25 Statement of Practical Treatment Used by medical personnel in the event of an exposure

26 Hazards to Humans and Domestic Animals Information regarding specific exposure routes and precautions to be taken

27 Net Contents Dry Formulations: pounds or ounces Liquids: gallons, quarts, pints or fluid ounces

28 EPA Registration Number Specifies that the product has met federal registration requirements Used to indicate the manufacturer EPA REG. NO

29 Name and Address of Manufacturer Enables customers to know who made or sold the product Required by law

30 Physical or Chemical Hazards Tells of special fire, explosion or chemical hazards

31 Limited Warranty and Disclaimer Assurance that the product conforms to its description and is fit if used according to label instructions

32 Storage and Disposal May include temperature requirements Generally recommends “triple- rinsing”

33 In 1996, 7,279 of 15,015 reported pesticide poisonings in the U.S. involved children less than 6 years of age. Source: American Association of Poison Control Centers.

34 Directions for Use Crops, animals, objects or areas to be treated Product rate to apply Method of application and equipment Timing and frequency of application Specific limitations on reentry to treated areas

35 Read the label… Before purchasing Before mixing and applying When storing Before disposing To educate your employees

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37 Photo Credits N.C. State University University of Arizona University of Nebraska University of Missouri Fred Fishel, Ph.D. Department of Agronomy University of Florida/IFAS Copyright 2005 University of Florida Mention of trade names in this presentation is solely for providing specific information. It is not a guarantee or warranty of the products named, and does not signify that they are approved to the exclusion of others of suitable composition. Use pesticides safely. Read and follow directions on the manufacturer’s label.