What information is provided by a Safety Data Sheet (SDS)?

A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is a crucial document that provides comprehensive information about a chemical substance, including its physical and chemical properties, potential hazards, handling and storage instructions, and safety precautions. The primary focus of the SDS is to ensure that users understand the risks associated with the chemical and how to use it safely.

The section on chemical properties includes details such as the substance’s boiling and melting points, solubility, and chemical stability, while the toxicity information covers potential health effects, exposure limits, and first aid measures. Together, this information helps users to handle pesticides safely and comply with legal and regulatory requirements.

When considering the other options, while historical usage may provide insights into how a pesticide has been used in the past, it does not contribute to immediate safety or handling procedures essential for current use. Pricing and availability relate to market factors rather than safety information. Best practices for pesticide application are important for effective usage but are not the main focus of the SDS, which centers on safety and hazard information.