Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Pesticide labels
Just like medicines in pharmacies, all pesticides in the world must be sold
with a document called a
pesticide label
attached (Fig. 11.2). This label
provides basic information about the pesticide in the container, tells how
to use it correctly, and warns of any environmental or health hazards
associated with it. The laws of virtually every country regulate the type of
information that must be included on pesticide labels. Some countries
impose specific regulations, but most pesticide labels around the world
would include:
.
trade or brand name of the pesticide;
.
manufacturer's name;
.
pesticide's common and chemical names;
.
type of pesticide (herbicide, insecticide or fungicide);
.
type of formulation;
.
a signal word indicating the pesticide's toxicity class;
.
directions for use.
Most countries would also require information about the appropriate
first aid after accidental exposure to the pesticide:
.
storage and disposal information;
.
the address of the manufacturer;
.
product registration number.
The brand name of pesticide is usually printed in larger letters on the
front of the pesticide label to identify the product on the market. Fre-
quently, the same product, intended for the same use and manufactured
by the same company, is sold under different brand names in different
countries. Similarly, generic products containing the same chemicals are
often sold under various names, so that users can compare these
products, the chemical and/or common name of every active ingredient
and their percentages by weight must appear on the label. In some
countries, the common name, e.g. 'dithiopyr', is sufficient; in others the
chemical name, e.g. S,S-dimethyl 2-(difluoromethyl)-4-(2-methylpropyl)-
6-(trifluoromethyl)-3,5-pyridinedicarbothioate, must follow the common
name. Names of active ingredient(s) are usually printed just above or
below the information indicating the type of pesticide. The formulation of
a pesticide identifies the way in which the active ingredient is mixed with
inert ingredients to make it suitable for use. Common formulations
include:
.
emulsifiable concentrate (an oil-based liquid to be mixed with water
before spraying);
.
liquid (liquid to be mixed with water before spraying);
