Heat As you read over the pesticide label, it is important to understand the valuable information available about proper handling and the use of pesticides. The label provides the reader with the potential risks the pesticide may create and detailed information on how to reduce or avoid those risks. Every pesticide applicator must take the time to read and follow label instructions so no harm will come to the applicator or the environment.

When reading label instructions, the applicator must understand and follow information included in the “Precautionary Statement” section of the label. Precautionary statements identify potential hazards and recommend ways to lessen or avoid risks.

Safety First
Various precautionary statements are included on the label. On the front panel, signal words — such as DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION — must appear and are a form of precautionary statements. These statements indicate how acutely toxic the product is to humans. You will find the signal word directly below the statement, “Keep out of reach of children.”

On some labels, the manufacturer may include a first-aid chart that provides treatment advice for pesticide exposure. The chart also includes any significant notes or information the doctor may need, as well as the toll-free number for the National Pesticide Information Center.

If the label does not provide a first-aid chart, it will provide a “Statement of Practical Treatment.” The information in this section includes recommendations to call a poison center or doctor, as well as instructions on immediate first-aid procedures for a pesticide exposure. The practical treatment information also indicates when calling a poison-control center or doctor that the product container or label be present. This is important so the name of the chemical and EPA registration number can be provided. As a professional applicator, it is a good practice to have this information easily accessible for all pesticides you work with in case of an exposure incident.

Heed Hazards
“Hazards to Humans and Domestic Animals” also falls under the precautionary statements section. This section clearly indicates what the applicator must do to prevent exposure. This section also contains statements that indicate which route of entry (mouth, skin, eyes, lungs) the applicator must protect. The statement displays a WARNING or DANGER notice, and is then followed with how the pesticide can cause bodily injury. Some examples include “harmful or fatal if swallowed,” “causes skin and eye irritation,” and “do not get on skin or in eyes.”

The practical treatment section also should provide you with the fate of domestic animals exposed to the pesticide you are applying. This section indicates first-aid measures if a domestic animal is exposed and may suggest contacting a veterinarian if symptoms persist more than 24 hours.

“Environmental Hazards” also are addressed by precautionary statements. In this section, the label indicates the degree of toxicity to the environment. For instance, the label may indicate that the pesticide is highly toxic to aquatic invertebrates or birds that enter treated areas, or perhaps the statement may point out that the pesticide is highly toxic to bees. The environmental hazards section of the label also provides practical ways to avoid harm to organisms and the environment.

A “Physical and Chemical Hazards” statement on the label instructs users how to properly store the pesticide. This statement is not necessarily located in the same area on all pesticide labeling. Some labels group the hazards in a box under the heading “Physical and Chemical Hazards,” while other labels may assemble the information on the front panel underneath the signal word. Other manufacturers may place the hazards information in a paragraph under headings such as “Note” or “Important.” When searching for these statements, the operator must be aware that the hazards information can differ from label to label.

You Wear It Well
The precautionary statement also provides you with the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to wear when applying the pesticide you are working with. Examples of appropriate PPE may include chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, or a face shield to avoid pesticide contact with skin and clothing. This section provides appropriate measures for disposing of or washing PPE, as well as manufacturers’ suggestions for cleaning and maintenance. The PPE section also includes recommendations on user safety, which can include washing hands before eating, drinking, chewing gum, using tobacco, or using the toilet.

The Label Is The Law
In the “Direction for Use” section, the applicator is cautioned that it is a violation of federal law to use the product in a manner inconsistent with its labeling. This statement warns you that it is illegal to use a pesticide in any way not permitted by the label. In this section, it is indicated that you must follow all directions concerning safety, mixing, diluting, and storage of the product. This section is not meant to provide you with advice on how to use the product; the directions are considered requirements.

Precautionary statements are the red flags of the label. It is especially important to read and abide by all precautionary statements. By not reading and understanding precautionary statements, the applicator places not only himself in danger, but others and the environment, too.

Ed Skvarch is a commercial horticulture educator at the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences St. Lucie County Extension Office in Fort Pierce, FL.