Precautionary statements human hazard

Figure 2.9 Precautionary statements under Hazards to Humans section on the label (EPA, Protective Clothing for Pesticide Users Poster).

In addition to product identification, the second major category of information that must he included in pesticide labels encompasses a series of warnings and precautionary statements covering the human, environmental, and physical and chemical hazeu-ds posed by the product (162.10(h)). The intent of these statements is to alert the pesticide user to potential hazards from exposure, to inform him of precautionary measures which will help avoid or reduce the possibility of injury, and to instruct him on practical treatment or other remedial steps he can take if exposed. 

For human hazard the statements required hy EPA include the signal word, child hEtzard warning, statements of practical treatment, and any general precautionary statements which are applicable. For environmental hazard, the EPA requires statements on toxicity to nontarget fish, wildlife, birds, aquatic invertebrates, beneficial insects, and plants. Statements required for physical and chemical hazards focus primarily on flammability, but may include hazards related to explosion, oxidation, chemical reactions, or other characteristics of the product. 

Human Hazard—For hazards to humans and domestic animals, the required precautionary statement serves as an expansion of the front panel signal word. Precautionary statements must indicate the nature of the hazard involved, the route or routes of exposure, and the precautions that should be taken to avoid accident, injury, or damage (162.10(h)(2)(i)). The appropriate hazard signal word must immediately precede the precautionary statement paragraph. See Table 10.3 for examples of precautionary statements by toxicity category as they appear in EPA s current regulations. 

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