Pesticide Labeling and Safety
The label is the law. A candidate must read and interpret every section: signal word, ingredient statement, precautionary statements, PPE requirements, first aid, environmental hazards, directions for use, and storage/disposal. The signal word ranks toxicity: DANGER-POISON (and skull-and-crossbones) for the most acutely toxic; DANGER for severe hazard (corrosive or strong irritant); WARNING for moderate; CAUTION for low. Do not equate signal word with environmental risk - a CAUTION product can still harm pollinators or groundwater.
Safety traps in questions: PPE listed on the label is a minimum, not a maximum; re-entry intervals (REI) and pre-harvest intervals (PHI) are different numbers for different purposes; and mixing order affects both safety and efficacy. Remember the standard mixing sequence - fill tank partway with water, add products in the order the label or a compatibility test dictates, and add adjuvants last. Always add a personal-protective-equipment layer before opening concentrate.
Rule of thumb: when two label statements conflict (e.g., a general section versus the directions for use), the more restrictive, use-specific statement controls.
Worked example: A label's signal word is WARNING and lists chemical-resistant gloves and goggles for mixing. A worker wants to skip gloves because the product is "only WARNING." The label requires the gloves during mixing - the signal word does not override the PPE table, and the more restrictive requirement applies.