What is indicated by "signal words" on pesticide labels?

"Signal words" on pesticide labels are crucial indicators of the product's level of toxicity and potential harm to humans and the environment. These words communicate the severity of the hazards associated with the pesticide. For instance, a product labeled with "Danger" suggests a high level of toxicity, indicating that it can cause severe harm or death, while "Warning" denotes a moderate level of toxicity, and "Caution" indicates a lower level of hazard.

Understanding the meaning of these signal words is essential for handlers and applicators to ensure safe handling, application, and overall use of the pesticide. This information helps users make informed decisions regarding safety measures, necessary protective equipment, and emergency responses in the event of exposure. In contrast, other aspects such as shelf life, application methods, or concentration of the active ingredient, while important, do not convey the immediate risk associated with the substance's toxicity in the same way that signal words do.