| A Signal Word is the word listed on a pesticide | | | | or product is moderately likely to cause acute |
| label that indicates a product's toxicity to humans. | | | | illness if swallowed, inhaled or exposed to the skin. |
| It must be listed in large print and positioned | | | | It is also likely to cause moderate eye irritation. |
| clearly on the front of all pesticide labels. | | | | Danger- This is a signal word that means the |
| There are three primary levels of signal words. | | | | pesticide or product is very toxic. These products |
| They are "Danger", "Warning" and "Caution". The | | | | should not be swallowed, inhaled or exposed to |
| Danger signal word has different levels based on | | | | skin. It may indicate that it will cause serious eye |
| its toxicity as defined below. The Danger level | | | | irritation. Some pesticides have a time period |
| indicating the most toxicity if inhaled, absorbed | | | | following an application before children and pets |
| through the skin, and especially if swallowed will | | | | are allowed back in the house or yard. If allowed |
| accompany a Skull and Crossbones symbol with | | | | back in before the safety period ends and comes |
| the words "Danger" and "Poison". Obviously, the | | | | in contact with the pesticide, it could result in |
| stronger the signal word the greater the chances | | | | exposure. Carefully follow safety guidelines. |
| of encountering the harmful effects of pesticides. | | | | Danger/Skull and Crossbones/Poison- Indicates |
| You must always keep in mind the dangers of | | | | that this product is highly toxic and should be used |
| pesticides should they be used carelessly. | | | | carefully with all appropriate safety clothing. |
| These words are not only for pesticides, but | | | | Pesticides with this level of toxicity are only |
| must also accompany many household products | | | | available to certified and trained applicators. |
| as well, such as hairspray, mouthwash, kitchen | | | | However, Gasoline, carries this label for exposure |
| cleaners, etc. All products are different and many | | | | by swallowing and is a product we use everyday. |
| combinations of warnings exist. For some | | | | Conclusion |
| products, a level of "Warning" may apply if inhaled | | | | These words are not intended to replace |
| or swallowed, but reduced to "Caution" if exposed | | | | common sense. Reactions could be worse for |
| to skin. It is very important to read and follow all | | | | some people. For example, a small amount |
| pesticide label directions and to wear the required | | | | exposed to the skin may have less of an affect |
| protective clothing listed. | | | | than a larger amount of the same product. Also, |
| The following list is based on the EPA's definitions. | | | | quickly washing off the product after being |
| Note: Pesticide labels are always changing and, at | | | | exposed will often prevent any reaction unless it |
| times, the definitions may change as well. This list | | | | is immediately absorbed. The personal protective |
| in not intended as legal advice. | | | | equipment (PPE) listed on the label is the minimum |
| Definitions of Signal Words | | | | requirements for that product and you can |
| Caution- This is a word that signals the product is | | | | always wear more if the situation needs it. |
| slightly toxic or relatively non-toxic. It has only | | | | Always read the pesticide label carefully and if you |
| slight potential to cause acute illness if swallowed, | | | | are ever in doubt, take greater precautions or |
| inhaled or exposed to the skin. The skin or eye | | | | use a different product. |
| irritation it would cause would be less than those | | | | For more information on using pesticides and |
| with other signal words. | | | | herbicides safely, click on the link to Lawn Care |
| Warning- This is a word that signals the pesticide | | | | Academy below. |