Warnings and Precautionary Statements

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. 

EPA has grouped warnings and precautionary statements into those that must be displayed on the front panel of the label and those which may appear elsewhere. 

The basic framework for labeling the human hazard of a pesticide product rests on four toxicity categories established by testing the product in five different acute toxicity test systems Oral (ingestion), dermal (absorption through the skin), inhalation, eye irritation, and skin irritation. The toxicity categories range from I, the most toxic, to IV, the least toxic. 

Human Hazard Signal Word (162.10(hXl)(i))—The signal word DANGER has been designated by EPA as the word which must appear on the labels of all pesticide products which meet the criteria of Toxicity Category I. Furthermore, if a product meets those criteria due to its oral, dermal, or inhalation 

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Physical and Chemical Hazards— EPA regulations require that the term flammable appear on the label of any pesticide product whose flash point falls between 20°F and 80°F. See Table 10.4 for a description of flammability criteria and appropriate required warning and precautionary statements. 

This section describes the hazards of the substance or mixture and the appropriate warning information (signal word, hazard statement(s) and precautionary statement(s)) associated with those hazards. The section should include a brief summary/conclusion of the data given as described in A4.2.4.3. 

Pesticides are useful tools. But wrong or careless use could cause undesirable effects. To help avoid this the label provides precautions for protecting nontarget organisms and the environment. Some general statements appear on the label of almost all pesticides for example, most labels warn not to contaminate water when you apply or dispose of pesticides. The label will contain specific precautionary statements if the pesticide poses a specific hazard to the environment. Some examples are ... 

In addition to the signal words and statement of hazards, many labels are required to include other information that is precautionary in nature and provides more information on safe handling and use. The approach to these warnings and precautions varies among systems. In some systems, manufacturers have the discretion to determine what statements are necessary, and how they will be presented. In other systems, the regulatory authority has developed standard phrases and a decision logic to apply them to the label. 

Pesticide labels must Include directions for use, precautionary statements, EPA product registration and establishment numbers, a signal word such as "Caution, Warning, or Danger," and an active ingredient statement, a net contents statement, the name and address of the manufacturer and if it has been classified as a restricted use pesticide it must state "Restricted Use Pesticide" (44). There are approximately 45 pesticides presently classified as "Restricted Use Pesticides" ( ). The 80 20 formulations are not classified as restricted use at this time but are proposed for such classification (45). Since 80 20 formulations are not "Restricted Use Pesticides" they may be purchased and used by anyone. Both federal and state laws require pesticide use to be consistent with labeling and violations are punishable by fines and(or) impri-sonment (44). 

The primary information to be obtained from an OSHA-requiied label is an identity for the material and appropriate hazard warnings. The identity is any term that appears on the label, the MSDS, and the list of chemicals, and thns links these three sonrces of information. The identity used by the supplier may be a common or trade name (Black Magic Formula), or a chemical name (1,1,1,-trichloroethane). The hazard warning is a brief statement of the hazardous effects of the chemical (i.e., flammable, causes lung damage ). Labels freqnently contain other information, such as precautionary measures (do not nse near open flame), bnt this information is provided voluntarily and is not required by the rule. Labels must be legible and prominently displayed. There are no specific requirements for size or color, or any specified text. 

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