Reading and Understanding the Reading and Understanding the Pesticide LabelPesticide Label

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Pesticidal Qualities = FIFRA

The Pesticide The Pesticide LabelLabel

Federal Insecticide Fungicide and Rodenticide Act

FIFRA, Section 3 = certain information = standard format

Label

Purpose of a labelPurpose of a label

• Instructions – “user’s manual”– User safety– Environmental safety– Use patterns and restrictions– How much to use– Allowable sites

• Consistent use

The LabelThe Label

LabelingLabeling• Add’l info provided by Add’l info provided by manufacturermanufacturer

- leaflets- leaflets- flyers- flyers- pamphlets- pamphlets

Attached to the container

Why Read The Label?Why Read The Label?

Label is a legal document

-Requirements

-Not suggestions!

Labels and LabelingLabels and LabelingReflects the risk & benefits of the

pesticide

Use

Storage

Safety

Disposal

Reading The LabelReading The Label

Before You Buy!

• Controls the target pest?• Application conditions?

– heat or drought?– proper equipment setup?

• Where can it be used?– Pesticides are site specific

• How much will I need– Know how to mix and plan!

• What safety equipment (PPE)?

Reading The Reading The LabelLabel

Before Mixing

• PPE?– Add’l PPE for mixing

• Compatibility?• How much do I need to mix?

– Acres x product rate = Amount to add to tank– 10 acres x 1 pint/acre = 10 pints

• Mixing order?

Reading The Reading The LabelLabelBefore

Application• PPE? • Timing• Correct Application

– Sprayer volume okay?– GPA

• Restrictions– Surface & ground water– Sensitive areas – crops, etc.

• Re-entry or grazing intervals

Reading The Reading The LabelLabel

Before Storing or disposal

• Where & how to store– Temperature?– With other pesticides?

• Disposal of surplus pesticide– Apply to labeled site?

• Cleaning containers for disposal

– Triple Rinsing

PESTICIDE LABELSPESTICIDE LABELS

Standard FormatSection 3, FIFRA

Provides for:Ready Access to information

Parts of Pesticide LabelingParts of Pesticide Labeling

Restricted or General Use Statement

Brand NameTrade Name

Ingredient

Statement

Parts of Pesticide LabelingParts of Pesticide LabelingSignal WordsSignal Words

Danger–Poison – it can kill you!Danger – usually associated with skin or eye damageWarning -moderately toxicCaution - least toxic

Precautionary Statements

Associated Hazards– People and animals

•Precautions to heed– Environmental

•Non-target•Avoiding contamination

– Physical and Chemical

EPA Reg. No.

EPA EST. No.

Contents

Manufacturer

Statement of practical treatment (first aid)– Instructions on how to respond to an

emergency exposure involving the product

•Precautionary Statements

• What safety gear to wear (PPE)• User Precautions

Brand Name

Ingredients

EPA #’s

Signal Word

First Aid

PPE

User Precautions

WORKER PROTECTION STANDARD

Non-agricultural Use Requirements

PPE required for REI

Sites

Parts of Pesticide LabelingParts of Pesticide Labeling

Uses inconsistent with the Uses inconsistent with the Pesticide LabelPesticide Label

it is illegal to use a pesticide in any way not permitted by the labeling.

Off-siteImproper equipment settingsImproper rate (lack of calibration)No safety gear worn when the label

says you must!

Sites must be named in the directions for use.

Target pest?

Pesticide LabelsPesticide Labels

You may not use higher dosageshigher concentrationsmore frequent applications

Pesticide LabelsPesticide Labels

apply a pesticide at any dosage, concentration, or frequency less than that listed on the labeling

apply a pesticide against any target pest not listed on the labeling if the application is to a plant, animal, or site that is listed,

You can….

Pesticide LabelsPesticide LabelsAllowed uses not mentioned in the labelingAllowed uses not mentioned in the labeling

- use any appropriate equipmentor method of application that is not prohibited by the labeling

– mix a pesticide or pesticides with a fertilizer if the mixture is not prohibited by the labeling

– mix two of more pesticides, if all of the dosages are at or below the recommended rate

Material Safety Data SheetsMSDS

• OSHA Hazard Communication Standard

• Not intended for use by average or casual applicator

• Protect workers who handle pure forms or very high concentrations of a chemical for long periods of time

• Another source of health and safety information