What is the main focus of toxicity classification for pesticides?

The main focus of toxicity classification for pesticides is the potential risk to the applicator and the environment. Toxicity classifications help ensure that those who handle and apply pesticides are informed about the associated hazards, making it possible to implement appropriate safety measures to minimize risks. Understanding toxicity levels is crucial for protecting human health, including the safety of those applying the pesticides and people in the surrounding areas, as well as safeguarding the environment from possible adverse effects on wildlife, water, and soil.

This classification informs the necessary precautions and protective equipment that should be used during application, as well as determines the protocols for usage to minimize exposure and prevent contamination. In contrast, factors like cost, brand reputation, or volume of pesticide sold do not serve as measures of safety or risk in the context of toxicity classification, and thus, they are not prioritized in this classification system.