5.11 Storage and Disposal
5.12 Hazardous Chemical Information
5.2 Choosing a Pesticide Product
5.3 Reading the Pesticide Label
5.4 EPA Registration Number
5.5 Ingredients
5.6 Signal Words
5.7 Precautionary Statements
5.8 Environmental Hazards
5.9 Directions for Use
5_Chemical-Controls
Chemical Controls
Overview
Title Image: Pesticide Label 4 by Melissa Scherr, Oregon Department of Agriculture is licensed CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.
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Introduction
Lesson Objectives
Describe how product label directions are used in proper application of chemicals.
Define active ingredient, inert ingredient, MSDS, and LD50.
Key Terms
active ingredients - the chemical that prevents, destroys, repels, or mitigates a pest, or is a plant regulator, defoliant, desiccant, or nitrogen stabilizer
inert ingredients - chemicals not considered active ingredients that are important for product performance and usability
LD50 - median lethal dose or the estimated amount [of a substance] expected to kill 50% of test animals in a single dose.
MSDS - material safety data sheet
restricted entry interval - the time immediately after a pesticide application when entry into the treated area is restricted
SDS - Safety Data Sheets; forms required to be presented in 16-section format
signal words - words on a label that convey how poisonous a product is to humans
Introduction
There are many kinds of pesticides that all require different handling and usage. It is of utmost importance to read product labels before purchasing or using chemicals. Different ingredients produce varying effects on plants and their environments. Knowing how to understand labels will help assure correct product selection and promote proper use.
Choosing a Pesticide Product
First, it is important that the problem has been properly and correctly identified. Then, the least-toxic pesticide should be selected that will achieve the desired results and be the least toxic to users and the environment. There are different forms of pesticide (aerosol, dust, bait, or other) that need to be suited to the target site and the pest that needs to be controlled. When the words “broad-spectrum” appear on the label, this means the product is effective against a broad range of pests. If the label says “selective,” the product is effective against one or a few pests. A signal word—either Danger, Warning, or Caution—on the pesticide label indicates how poisonous the product is to humans. Caution means least hazardous; Warning means moderately hazardous; and Danger means poisonous or corrosive.
Reading the Pesticide Label
The pesticide label is the best guide to using pesticides safely and effectively. The directions on the label are there primarily to help users achieve “maximum” benefits with “minimum” risk. Both depend on following label directions and correctly using the pesticide. Use of any pesticide in any way that is not consistent with label directions and precautions is illegal. It may also be ineffective and, even worse, dangerous.
Important Note: Read the label. Read the label before buying the pesticide. It is easy to forget or misremember, and instructions change over time. The label should be read before mixing or using the pesticide each time and before storing or disposing of the pesticide.
The main sections of a pesticide label are described in the next sections.
EPA Registration Number
This number confirms that the United States Environmental Protection Agency has reviewed the product and determined that it can be used with minimal or low risk if the directions on the label are followed properly. The number is not a stamp of approval or guarantee of effectiveness. Before manufacturers can sell pesticides in the United States, the EPA must evaluate them thoroughly to ensure that they meet federal safety standards to protect human health and the environment. They grant a "registration" or license that permits a pesticide's distribution, sale, and use, but only after the company meets the scientific and regulatory requirements.
In evaluating a pesticide registration application, the EPA assesses a wide variety of potential human health and environmental effects associated with use of the pesticide. Potential registrants must generate scientific data for each pesticide necessary to address concerns pertaining to the:
- identity,
- composition,
- potential adverse effects,
- and environmental fate.
The data allows the EPA to evaluate whether a pesticide could harm certain nontarget organisms and endangered species; they evaluate both the active ingredient and the products in which the active ingredient is used.
Ingredients
Active ingredients are the chemicals in a pesticide product that act to control the pests. Active ingredients must be identified by name on the pesticide product's label together with its percentage by weight.
There are several categories of active ingredients:
- Conventional, which are all ingredients other than biological pesticides and antimicrobial pesticides
- Antimicrobial, which are substances or mixtures of substances used to destroy or suppress the growth of harmful microorganisms whether bacteria, viruses, or fungi on inanimate objects and surfaces
- Biopesticides, which are types of ingredients derived from certain natural materials
Pesticide products contain at least one active ingredient and other intentionally added inert ingredients. Called “inert ingredients” by the federal law, these are combined with active ingredients to make a pesticide product. Inerts are chemicals, compounds, and other substances, including common food commodities (e.g., certain edible oils, spices, herbs) and some natural materials (e.g., beeswax, cellulose).
The name “inert” does not mean non-toxic. All inert ingredients must be approved by EPA before they can be included in a pesticide. They review safety information about each inert ingredient before approval. If the pesticide will be applied to food or animal feed, a food tolerance is required for each inert ingredient in the product, and the amount of each inert ingredient in the product may be limited.
Inert ingredients play key roles in pesticide effectiveness and product performance. Examples of the functions inerts can serve include the following:
- act as a solvent to help the active ingredient penetrate a plant's leaf surface
- improve the ease of application by preventing caking or foaming
- extend the product's shelf-life
- improve safety for the applicator
- protect the pesticide from degradation due to exposure to sunlight
Under federal law, the identity of inert ingredients is confidential business information. The law does not require manufacturers to identify inert ingredients by name or percentage on product labels. In general, only the total percentage of all inert ingredients is required to be on the pesticide product label.
Signal Words
The signal words—Caution, Warning, or Danger—indicate the pesticide’s potential for making humans sick. The word CAUTION appears on pesticides that are the least harmful to humans. A pesticide with the word WARNING is more poisonous than those with a Caution label. Pesticides with the word DANGER on the label are very poisonous or irritating. They should be used with extreme care because they can severely burn human skin and eyes.
Precautionary Statements
The REI is listed on the pesticide labeling under the heading "Agricultural Use Requirements" in the "Directions for Use" section of the pesticide labeling, or next to the crop or application method to which it applies. This part describes the protective clothing, such as gloves or goggles, that should be worn when using the pesticide. The section also tells how to protect children or pets by keeping them away from areas treated with pesticides. The restricted-entry interval (REI) is the time immediately after a pesticide application, when entry into the treated area is restricted. Some pesticides have one REI, such as 12 hours, for all crops and uses. Other pesticides have different REIs depending on the crop, method of application, or the post-application activity to be performed. When two or more pesticides are applied at the same time and have different REIs, the longer REI must be followed.
Environmental Hazards
This section tells if the product can cause environmental damage—if it’s harmful to wildlife, fish, endangered plants or animals, wetlands, or water.
Directions for Use
It is important to make sure that the product is labeled for use against the pest(s) that need to be controlled. For example, products labeled only for termites should not be used to control fleas. Only the recommended amounts should be used with the directions followed exactly.
First Aid Instructions
The label tells users what to do if someone is accidentally poisoned by the pesticide, which is found in the Statement of Practical Treatment section. The instructions are only first aid. A doctor or your local poison center should always be called. The affected person may need to be taken to a hospital right away after first aid treatment. The pesticide label or container should be taken to the hospital with the patient.
Storage and Disposal
All directions for safe storage and disposal of pesticide products should be read carefully and followed. Products should be kept in the original container and out of reach of children, in a locked cabinet or locked garden shed.
Hazardous Chemical Information
Beyond product labels, chemical information is contained in MSDS or Material Safety Data Sheets and SDS or Safety Data Sheets. The information contained in the SDS is largely the same as the MSDS, except now the SDSs are required to be presented in a consistent user-friendly, 16-section format. The SDS includes information such as the properties of each chemical; the physical, health, and environmental health hazards; protective measures; and safety precautions for handling, storing, and transporting the chemical. Sections 1 through 8 contain general information about the chemical, identification, hazards, composition, safe handling practices, and emergency control measures (e.g., firefighting). This information should be helpful to those that need to get the information quickly.
Sections 9 through 11 and 16 contain other technical and scientific information, such as physical and chemical properties; stability and reactivity information; toxicological information; exposure control information; and other information including the date of preparation or last revision.
Section 1: Identification
This section identifies the chemical on the SDS as well as the recommended uses. It also provides the essential contact information of the supplier. The required information consists of:
• product identifier used on the label and any other common names or synonyms by which the substance is known,
• name, address, phone number of the manufacturer, importer, or other responsible party, and emergency phone number,
• and recommended use of the chemical (e.g., a brief description of what it actually does, such as flame retardant) and any restrictions on use (including recommendations given by the supplier).
Section 2: Hazard(s) Identification
This section identifies the hazards of the chemical presented on the SDS and the appropriate warning information associated with those hazards. The required information consists of:
• the hazard classification of the chemical (e.g., flammable liquid, category1),
• signal word,
• hazard statement(s),
• pictograms or hazard symbols, which may be presented as graphical reproductions of the symbols in black and white or be a description of the name of the symbol (e.g., skull and crossbones, flame),
• precautionary statement(s),
• description of any hazards not otherwise classified,
• and, for a mixture that contains an ingredient(s) with unknown toxicity, a statement describing how much of the mixture (percentage) consists of ingredient(s) with unknown acute toxicity. Please note that this is a total percentage of the mixture and not tied to the individual ingredient(s).
Section 3: Composition/Information on Ingredients
This section identifies the ingredient(s) contained in the product indicated on the SDS, including impurities and stabilizing additives. Additionally, this section includes information on substances, mixtures, and all chemicals where a trade secret is claimed. The required information consists of chemicals, mixtures, and information about trade secret claims.
Substances
• chemical name
• common name and synonyms
• Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) number and other unique identifiers
• impurities and stabilizing additives, which are themselves classified and which contribute to the classification of the chemical
Mixtures
• Same information required for substances.
• The chemical name and concentration (i.e., exact percentage) of all ingredients which are classified as health hazards and are:
° present above their cut-off/concentration limits or
° present a health risk below the cut-off/concentration limits.
• The concentration (exact percentages) of each ingredient must be specified except concentration ranges may be used in the following situations:
° a trade secret claim is made,
° there is batch-to-batch variation,
° or the SDS is used for a group of substantially similar mixtures.
Chemicals where a trade secret is claimed
• A statement that the specific chemical identity and/or exact percentage (concentration) of composition has been withheld as a trade secret is required.
Section 4: First-Aid Measures
This section describes the initial care that should be given by untrained responders to an individual who has been exposed to the chemical. The required information consists of:
• necessary first-aid instructions by relevant routes of exposure (inhalation, skin and eye contact, and ingestion),
• description of the most important symptoms or effects, as well as any symptoms that are acute or delayed,
• recommendations for immediate medical care and special treatment needed, when necessary.
Section 5: Fire-Fighting Measures
This section provides recommendations for fighting a fire caused by the chemical. The required information consists of:
• recommendations of suitable extinguishing equipment, as well as information about extinguishing equipment that is not appropriate for a particular situation,
• advice on specific hazards that develop from the chemical during the fire, such as any hazardous combustion products created when the chemical burns,
• and recommendations on special protective equipment or precautions for firefighters.
Section 6: Accidental Release Measures
This section provides recommendations on the appropriate response to spills, leaks, or releases, including containment and cleanup practices to prevent or minimize exposure to people, properties, or the environment. It may also include recommendations distinguishing between responses for large and small spills where the spill volume has a significant impact on the hazard. The required information may consist of recommendations for:
• use of personal precautions (such as removal of ignition sources or providing sufficient ventilation) and protective equipment to prevent the contamination of skin, eyes, and clothing,
• emergency procedures, (such as instructions for evacuations, consulting experts when needed, and appropriate protective clothing),
• methods and materials used for containment (such as covering the drains and capping procedures),
• and cleanup procedures (such as appropriate techniques for neutralization, decontamination, cleaning or vacuuming; adsorbent materials; and/or equipment required for containment/clean up).
Section 7: Handling and Storage
This section provides guidance on the safe handling practices and conditions for safe storage of chemicals. The required information consists of:
• precautions for safe handling, including recommendations for handling incompatible chemicals, minimizing the release of the chemical into the environment, and providing advice on general hygiene practices (such as when eating, drinking, and smoking in work areas is prohibited),
• and recommendations on the conditions for safe storage or specific storage requirements, including any incompatibilities (such as ventilation requirements).
Section 8: Exposure Controls/Personal Protection
This section indicates the exposure limits, engineering controls, and personal protective measures that can be used to minimize worker exposure. The required information consists of:
• OSHA Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs), American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Threshold Limit Values (TLVs), and any other exposure limit used or recommended by the chemical manufacturer, importer, or employer preparing the safety data sheet, where available;
• appropriate engineering controls (e.g., use local exhaust ventilation or use only in an enclosed system);
• Recommendations for personal protective measures to prevent illness or injury from exposure to chemicals, such as personal protective equipment (PPE): appropriate types of eye, face, skin or respiratory protection needed based on hazards and potential exposure;
• and any special requirements for PPE, protective clothing, or respirators (such as acceptable glove material—PVC or nitrile rubber gloves—and breakthrough time of the glove material).
Section 9: Physical and Chemical Properties
This section identifies physical and chemical properties associated with the substance or mixture. The minimum required information consists of the following:
• Appearance (physical state, color, etc.) • Odor • Odor threshold • pH • Melting point/freezing point • Initial boiling point and boiling range • Flash point • Evaporation rate • Flammability (solid, gas) | • Upper/lower flammability or explosive limits • Vapor pressure • Vapor density • Relative density • Solubility(ies) • Partition coefficient: n-octanol/water • Auto-ignition temperature • Decomposition temperature • Viscosity |
The SDS may not contain every item on the list above because information may not be relevant or is not available. When this occurs, a notation to that effect must be made for that chemical property. Manufacturers may also add other relevant properties, such as the dust deflagration index (Kst) for combustible dust, which is used to evaluate a dust’s explosive potential.
Section 10: Stability and Reactivity
This section describes the reactivity hazards of the chemical and the chemical stability information. This section is broken into three parts: reactivity, chemical stability, and other.
Reactivity
• Description of the specific test data for the chemical(s). This data can be for a class or family of the chemical, if such data adequately represent the anticipated hazard of the chemical(s).
Chemical stability
• Indication of whether the chemical is stable or unstable under normal ambient temperature and conditions while in storage and being handled.
• Description of any stabilizers that may be needed to maintain chemical stability.
• Indication of any safety issues that may arise should the product change in physical appearance.
Other
• Indication of the possibility of hazardous reactions, including a statement whether the chemical will react or polymerize, which could release excess pressure or heat, or create other hazardous conditions. Also, a description of the conditions under which hazardous reactions may occur.
• List of all conditions that should be avoided (e.g., static discharge, shock, vibrations, or environmental conditions that may lead to hazardous conditions).
• List of all classes of incompatible materials (e.g., classes of chemicals or specific substances) with which the chemical could react to produce a hazardous situation.
• List of any known or anticipated hazardous decomposition products that could be produced because of use, storage, or heating. (Hazardous combustion products should also be included in Section 5: Fire-Fighting Measures of the SDS.)
Section 11: Toxicological Information
This section identifies toxicological and health effects information or indicates that such data are not available. The required information consists of:
• information on the likely routes of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact) or an indication that the information is unknown,
• description of the delayed, immediate, or chronic effects from short- and long-term exposure,
• the numerical measures of toxicity (e.g., acute toxicity estimates such as the LD50 (median lethal dose), which is the estimated amount [of a substance] expected to kill 50% of test animals in a single dose,
• description of the symptoms, including the symptoms associated with exposure to the chemical from the lowest to the most severe exposure,
• and indication of whether the chemical is listed in the National Toxicology Program (NTP) Report on Carcinogens (latest edition) or has been found to be a potential carcinogen in the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Monographs (latest editions) or found to be a potential carcinogen by OSHA.
Section 12: Ecological Information (non-mandatory)
This section provides information to evaluate the environmental impact of the chemical(s) if it were released to the environment. The information may include:
• data from toxicity tests performed on aquatic and/or terrestrial organisms, where available (e.g., acute or chronic aquatic toxicity data for fish, algae, crustaceans, and other plants; toxicity data on birds, bees, plants),
• whether there is a potential for the chemical to persist and degrade in the environment either through biodegradation or other processes, such as oxidation or hydrolysis,
• results of tests of bioaccumulation potential, making reference to the octanol-water partition coefficient (Kow) and the bioconcentration factor (BCF), where available,
• the potential for a substance to move from the soil to the groundwater (results from adsorption studies or leaching studies),
• or other adverse effects (e.g., environmental fate, ozone layer depletion potential, photochemical ozone creation potential, endocrine disrupting potential, and/or global warming potential).
Section 13: Disposal Considerations (non-mandatory)
This section provides guidance on proper disposal practices, recycling or reclamation of the chemical(s) or its container, and safe handling practices. To minimize exposure, this section should also refer the reader to Section 8: Exposure Controls/Personal Protection of the SDS. The information may include:
• description of appropriate disposal containers to use,
• recommendations of appropriate disposal methods to employ,
• description of the physical and chemical properties that may affect disposal activities,
• language discouraging sewage disposal,
• or any special precautions for landfills or incineration activities.
Section 14: Transport Information (non-mandatory)
This section provides guidance on classification information for shipping and transporting of hazardous chemical(s) by road, air, rail, or sea. The information may include:
• UN number (i.e., four-figure identification number of the substance),
• UN proper shipping name,
• transport hazard class(es),
• packing group number, if applicable, based on the degree of hazard,
• environmental hazards, such as identification of a marine pollutant according to the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code),
• guidance on transport in bulk, according to Annex II of MARPOL 73/783 and the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk (International Bulk Chemical Code (IBC Code),
• or any special precautions which an employee should be aware of or needs to comply with, in connection with transport or conveyance either within or outside their premises, as well as an indication of when such information is not available.
Section 15: Regulatory Information (non-mandatory)
This section identifies the safety, health, and environmental regulations specific for the product that is not indicated anywhere else on the SDS. The information may include:
• any national and/or regional regulatory information of the chemical or mixtures (including any OSHA, Department of Transportation, Environmental Protection Agency, or Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations).
Section 16: Other Information
This section indicates when the SDS was prepared or when the last known revision was made. The SDS may also state where the changes have been made to the previous version. Other useful information also may be included here.
Note: The supplier may be contacted for an explanation of the changes to the SDS.
Attributions
Title Image: Pesticide Label 4 by Melissa Scherr, Oregon Department of Agriculture is licensed CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.
"Basic Information about Pesticide Ingredients" by the United States Environmental Protection Agency is in the Public Domain.
"Citizen's Guide to Pest Control and Pesticide Safety" by the United States Environmental Protection Agency is in the Public Domain.
"Hazard Communication Standard: Safety Data Sheets" by the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration is in the Public Domain.
"Restrictions to Protect Workers After Pesticide Applications" by the United States Environmental Protection Agency is in the Public Domain.