ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION SERIES ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY Agriculture & Natural Resources
EXTENSION ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION, AUBURN UNIVERSITY, AL 36849-5647

Federal regulations require certain information to appear in certain locations on every pesticide label to make label comprehension easier.

AU pesticide labels should contain the following information:

Brand Name: The most identifiable name for the product.

Chemical Name: The scientific name for the active ingredient.

Common Name: A name commonly used and accepted by EPA to identify the active ingredient in the pesticide.

Type Of Pesticide Formulation: The state of the pesticide, such as emulsifiable concentrate (E.C.), wettable powder (W.P), etc.

Ingredient Statement: Lists the total amount of active ingredient as a percentage by weight or pounds per gallon of formulation. Also lists inactive ingredients, such as fillers, wetting agents, etc.

Net Contents: States the amount of formulation in that container, excluding packaging.

Name And Address Of Manufacturer: States manufacturer's name and address.

Registration And Establishment Numbers: The registration number is different for every pesticide and shows that the product has been approved for use by EPA. The establishment number identifies the factory that produced the product. If a batch number appears on the label, it will identify the date and time of manufacture.

Signal Words And Symbol: Included to identify relative toxicity to people. The least toxic pesticides will be identified with the word CAUTION; moderately toxic pesticides will be signified with the word WARNING; while the most toxic pesticides will have the word DANGER accompanied by a skull and crossbones symbol and the word POISON written in red.

Precautionary Statements: Indicate special hazards to humans and domestic animals and list any special protective equipment needed. Products that are highly toxic will indicate proper treatment for poisoning.

Environmental Hazards: If special precautions are necessary to avoid environmental harm, they will be stated.

Statement Of Practical Treatment: Includes first aid measures for all types of exposure, when to seek medical attention, and directs physicians to the proper treatment for poisoning.

Statement Of Use Classification: EPA classifies pesticides for either General or Restricted use. Restricted use pesticides require that the applicator be licensed or be supervised by a licensed individual prior to use. This information will appear at the top of the front panel of the label.

Directions For Use: Lists the pest or pests controlled, the crop or site approved for use, the rate of application, approved application equipment and techniques, and when the pesticide should be applied.

Misuse Statement: States that it is a violation of federal law to use the product in a manner inconsistent with label directions, except for applications at rates less than recommended; using the pesticide less frequently; using it on unnamed pests if the site or crop is listed; or using it in combination with fertilizers or other pesticides, provided neither product exceeds label recommendations and none of the above is prohibited on the label.

Re-entry Statement: States how long a person must stay out of pesticide treatment areas before entering without protective equipment.

Waiting Periods: May limit the time between application and harvest or some other crop action.

Category Of Application: May be listed on the label by some manufacturers but is not a requirement by EPA or enforceable by state regulatory agencies. Storage And Disposal Directions: Instructs applicators in proper storage and pesticide container disposal information.

Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work in agriculture and home economics, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, and other related acts, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) offers educational programs, materials, and equal opportunity employment to all people without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, veteran status, or disability.

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For more information, contact your county Extension office. Visit http://www.aces.edu/counties or look in your telephone directory under your county's name to find contact information. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work in agriculture and home economics, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, and other related acts, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) offers educational programs, materials, and equal opportunity employment to all people without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, veteran status, or disability.

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