What do signal words on pesticide labels indicate?

Signal words on pesticide labels are crucial for conveying important safety information about the product. They indicate the relative acute toxicity of the pesticide, helping users understand the potential risks associated with its use. The signal words are categorized into three levels: "Caution," "Warning," and "Danger." Each level corresponds to a different degree of toxicity; for example, "Caution" suggests a lower toxicity level, while "Danger" indicates a higher risk of acute health effects.

Understanding these signal words is essential for safe handling and application of pesticides, as they inform the user of the necessary precautions that should be taken to minimize exposure and potential harm. This focus on acute toxicity helps ensure that individuals using or coming into contact with the pesticide are adequately informed about the degree of hazard and can take the appropriate safety measures.