Pesticide Labels and Labeling
The label is the law
The label and its attached labeling (supplemental, SDS) form the legal contract for use. Under FIFRA, use inconsistent with the label is a violation. Candidates must know the major sections and what each controls.
Sections to master
- Product name and type (e.g., insecticide, herbicide) and active ingredient(s) with percentage.
- Signal word and precautionary statements: DANGER–POISON, DANGER, WARNING, CAUTION, reflecting acute toxicity.
- First aid and personal protective equipment (PPE) - the minimum legal requirement; clothing statements like "long-sleeved shirt and long pants."
- Directions for use: sites, rates, timing, application method, and restricted-entry interval (REI) and preharvest interval (PHI).
- Environmental hazards, storage/disposal, and re-entry statements.
- Classification: general-use vs. restricted-use (sold/used only by or under the supervision of a certified applicator).
Traps in questions
The classic traps: (1) confusing REI (how long workers must stay out after application) with PHI (how long before harvest); (2) assuming a lower rate than labeled is always fine - using below-label rates can be illegal and promotes resistance; (3) ignoring that the most restrictive statement governs when label and labeling conflict; (4) forgetting that PPE on the label is a minimum, not a suggestion; (5) mixing products - only mix if the label permits.
Rule of thumb
When in doubt, the stricter label statement wins. If two statements seem to conflict, follow the one that protects people and the environment more.
Worked example
A label says REI 12 hours and PHI 7 days. A worker wants to enter to harvest 5 days after spraying. The correct answer: not allowed - the PHI (7 days) has not passed, even though the 12-hour REI has.