This guide outlines the elements needed to read and understand the information on a pesticide label.

Pesticide product labels provide critical information about how to safely and legally handle and use pesticide products. Unlike most other types of product labels, pesticide labels are legally enforceable, and all of them carry the statement: “It is a violation of Federal law to use this product in a manner inconsistent with its labeling.” In other words, the label is the law.

A key function of the pesticide product label is to manage the potential risks from pesticides. In support of that function:

• State and federal agencies enforce pesticide label requirements.
• Educational programs certify pesticide users; and
• Pesticide users read and follow the label directions.

EPA requires extensive scientific data on the potential health and environmental effects of a pesticide before granting a registration, which is a license to market that product in the United States. EPA evaluates the data and ensures that the label translates the results of those evaluations into a set of conditions, directions, and precautions that define who may use a pesticide, as well as where, how, how much, and how often it may be used.

Requirements for pesticide labels are found in the Code of Federal Regulations (40 CFR Part 156).

The Label Review Manual provides guidance for product management team members who are responsible for performing label reviews. In addition, it may be useful for state label reviewers, registrants and other individuals interested in producing readable, unambiguous, and enforceable pesticide labels. It compiles existing interpretations of statutory and regulatory provisions and reiterates existing Agency policies.

What is the difference between “label” and “labeling”?

There are two common terms you should know regarding pesticide labels:

1. The label is the information printed on or attached to the pesticide container. To the consumer, label should be considered as the main source of information on how to use the product correctly, legally and safely.
2. The term labeling is defined as all the information you might receive accompanying the pesticide from the company. This information may include brochures, flyers, safety data sheets and other information.

Applicators of pesticides should review the labels of the products before purchasing, mixing, applying, storing or disposing of the pesticide to ensure that they use it correctly, safely and effectively. Information contained on labels can be divided into four major categories: safety, environmental, product and use.

Understanding each section of the label

1. The Restricted Use Pesticide tells you only certified pest management professionals may use this product.

2. The product or brand name is prominently displayed on the front label. Brand names are different from active ingredients.

3. The active ingredient is the chemical that kills the pest.

4. Inert or other ingredients do not directly kill the pests, but instead help the active ingredients work. They may be harmful.

5. The signal words such as Caution, Warning, Danger, or Danger–Poison refer to the short term or acute effects of the active ingredient.

6. The first aid section tells you what to do if the product is swallowed, breathed in (inhaled), or has made contact with the skin or eyes.

7. The Environmental Protection Agency Registration number ensures that the pesticide has been reviewed by EPA.

8. The storage and disposal instructions tell you how to store and dispose of leftover pesticides.

9. The directions for use tell you where, when and how to use the pesticide safely. Follow these directions precisely. This section also tells you what kind of pest this product was designed to kill.

10. The precautionary statements describe potential harmful effects to people, animals or the environment.