Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 2.9
Precautionary statements under “Hazards to Humans” section on
the label (EPA, Protective Clothing for Pesticide Users Poster).
1 5 . Environmental Hazard Statement
Pesticides are useful tools. But wrong or careless use could cause undesir-
able effects. To help avoid this the label provides precautions for protecting
nontarget organisms and the environment. Some general statements appear on
the label of almost all pesticides; for example, most labels warn not to con-
taminate water when you apply or dispose of pesticides. The label will con-
tain specific precautionary statements if the pesticide poses a specific hazard to
the environment. Some examples are:
•
“This product is toxic to fish, birds, and other wildlife. Treated
granules exposed on soil surface may be hazardous to birds and other
wildlife.”
•
“This product is highly toxic to bees exposed to direct treatment or
residues on blooming crops or weeds. Do not apply this product or
allow it to drift to blooming crops or weeds if bees are visiting the
treatment area.”
These statements alert you to the special hazards that the use of the prod-
ucts may pose. They should help you choose the safest product for a particu-
lar job and remind you to take extra precautions. Other general environmental
