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Toxicity & Hazard
Hazard Shapes & Symbols
Warning symbols [top]
Visual warning symbols on pesticide labels indicate the kind of harm that can result from pesticide misuse or mishandling. They alert the user to the degree of the hazard (by the shape of the border) and to the type of hazard (by the centre "picture").
 | Poisonous
The "skull and cross bones" symbol warns that the chemical is poisonous if taken into the body. Keep the product out of reach of children. Use the appropriate safety measures when dealing with poisonous products. |
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 | Flammable
The "fire" symbol is a warning that the pesticide is flammable or easily ignited. Keep the pesticide away from heat, sparks, or open flames. Do not smoke while mixing or applying the product. |
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 | Explosive
The "exploding grenade" symbol indicates that the pesticide can explode, e.g., pesticide in pressurized cans. Explosive conditions may also be created by using Roundup or Rustler (glyphosate) in a galvanized steel spray tank. |
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 | Corrosive
The "corroded hand" symbol indicates that the pesticide is corrosive to the skin and eyes. The chemical is either acid or alkali (caustic) and can burn the skin. Protect the skin and eyes when using these products. |
Toxicity symbols [top]
These symbols relate the oral LD50 value (mg/kg) of a pesticide to its toxicity symbol.
 | Danger Poison
LD50 less than 500 mg/kg indicates high toxicity. |
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 | Warning Poison
LD50 500 to 1,000 mg/kg indicates moderate toxicity. |
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| Caution Poison
LD50 1,000 to 2,000 mg/kg indicates low toxicity.
LD50 greater than 2,500 mg/kg indicates very low toxicity. |
Interpretation of Symbol Combinations [top]
| Poisonous Hazard: |
DANGER
POISON |
WARNING
POISON |
CAUTION
POISON |
| Acute oral LD50 | < 500 mg/kg | 500 - 1,000 mg/kg | 1,000 - 2,000 mg/kg |
| Acute dermal LD50 | < 500 mg/kg | 500 - 1,000 mg/kg | 1,000 - 2,000 mg/kg |
| Respirator | yes | advisable in confined spaces | advisable in confined spaces |
| Eye Protection | yes | yes | advisable |
| Eye Effects | corrosive or irreversible | severe but reversible | irritation |
| Petroleum Distillates | 10% or more | 1% to 10% | - |
| Flammability Hazard: |
DANGER
FLAMMABLE |
WARNING
FLAMMABLE |
CAUTION
FLAMMABLE |
Liquid Products
- Flash Point | < -6°C
(20°F) | -6° to 10°C
(20° to 50°F) | 10° to 27°C
(50°to 80°F) |
Pressurized Products
- Flame Projection | 45 cm
(18") | 15-45 cm
(6 to 18") | < 15 cm
(6") |
| Explosive Hazard: |
CAUTION
EXPLOSIVE |
| All Domestic Aerosols, Pressurized |
| Corrosive Hazard: |
DANGER
CORROSIVE |
WARNING
CORROSIVE |
CAUTION
CORROSIVE |
| acid or alkali materials | 10% or more | 5 to 10% | 1 to 5% |
| organic acids | 20% or more | 5 to 20% | 1 to 5% |
| available chlorine | - | 10% or more as liquid | over 1% as solids |
| pH | - | 0.5 or 13.5 | 0.5 to 2.5 or 11.5 to 13.5 |
Available chlorine
> 4% and < 10% as liquid |
CAUTION
IRRITANT |
Available chlorine
> 1% and < 4% as liquid |
CAUTION |
Additional Resources [top]
Return to Toxicity & Hazard or Pesticide Wise Home |
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