How to Read Garden Chemical Labels
Knowing how to read chemical labels is critical for safely using garden pesticides. Retired UT Extension Agent Mike Dennison shows and explains the main parts of a pesticide label. He us using liquid Sevin for the demonstration but the same principles apply for all garden chemical labels.
The federal government requires certain things to be on a label. On the front of every container is the list of the ingredients. There are long instructions attached to the container, usually a booklet on the back. The booklet contains first aid information for exposure. It also has information for physicians if someone has been poisoned by the chemical. The booklet contains information on if or how the chemical is harmful to the environment or pets. It also contains the words “It is a violation of Federal law to use this product in a manner inconsistent with its labeling.” Because of this, the only allowed uses of the chemical is what is specified on the label. The label also talks about how to store and dispose of the chemical. Then the label talks about specific application rates, insects, timing, etc.
There are signal words on the front of every container (in order of seriousness): Caution, Warning, and Danger. Most chemicals available to homeowners are listed as caution because they have low toxicity. Restricted use pesticides often carry the Warning or Danger signal words which indicate a higher toxicity. In all cases the label is the law. The label needs to stay with the chemical. You cannot store the chemical in another container without the label.
Related Videos:
Garden Safety
Pesticide Lifespan and Storage
Pesticide Modes of Action
Related Resources:
Reading and Understanding Pesticide Labels
Understanding the Pesticide Label
The federal government requires certain things to be on a label. On the front of every container is the list of the ingredients. There are long instructions attached to the container, usually a booklet on the back. The booklet contains first aid information for exposure. It also has information for physicians if someone has been poisoned by the chemical. The booklet contains information on if or how the chemical is harmful to the environment or pets. It also contains the words “It is a violation of Federal law to use this product in a manner inconsistent with its labeling.” Because of this, the only allowed uses of the chemical is what is specified on the label. The label also talks about how to store and dispose of the chemical. Then the label talks about specific application rates, insects, timing, etc.
There are signal words on the front of every container (in order of seriousness): Caution, Warning, and Danger. Most chemicals available to homeowners are listed as caution because they have low toxicity. Restricted use pesticides often carry the Warning or Danger signal words which indicate a higher toxicity. In all cases the label is the law. The label needs to stay with the chemical. You cannot store the chemical in another container without the label.
Related Videos:
Garden Safety
Pesticide Lifespan and Storage
Pesticide Modes of Action
Related Resources:
Reading and Understanding Pesticide Labels
Understanding the Pesticide Label