According to the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority of the Philippines (FPA), “pesticides are any substance or product intended to control, prevent, destroy, repel, or mitigate any pest directly or indirectly.” Legally, all commercial pesticides are required to have a label to inform the buyers of the content and the purpose for which it may be used. The label also tells the direction of use, the hazards, and precautions on use, storage, and handling.
Most commercial pesticides used in agriculture are toxic and must be handled with caution. It is advised to always read the label first before buying the product to make sure that it is for the intended use. Also, by reading and following the label, potential health and environmental risk can be reduced.
Here is information found on the pesticide label that you should be aware of:
Brand or trade name
The brand name is the distinctive name of the product located on the front side of the label. Some companies sell different types of pesticides under the same brand name, so it is necessary to read the other information on the label before buying the product.
Pesticide type
Pesticide type indicates what pest the product will control, such as insects (insecticide), fungi (fungicide), bacteria (bactericide), nematodes (nematicide), weeds (herbicide, plant regulator, defoliant, desiccant), snails (molluscicide), birds (avicide), and rodents (rodenticide). It also tells if the pesticide is for a specific target pest only. For example, herbicides can come in a broad spectrum, a pesticide can kill all varieties of weeds, or it could be selective, which means it targets a specific type of weed like 2,4-D, which only kills broadleaf weeds.
Active and inert ingredients
The active ingredient is the chemical responsible for controlling the pest, while the inert ingredients are substances to make the active ingredient easy to apply or dissolve in water. In most countries, disclosing all the inert ingredients on the product label is not mandatory, as manufacturers may claim some inert ingredients as confidential business information. However, the active ingredients must be clearly identified and listed, along with any inert ingredients that are known to be hazardous to human health or the environment. By knowing the active and inert ingredients, users can take appropriate precautionary measures to minimize exposure to the substances.
Moreover, inert ingredients can affect the way that the active ingredient is delivered, absorbed, or distributed in the environment. By understanding how these ingredients interact, users can better predict the effectiveness of the pesticide and optimize its use. Inert ingredients can be solvents, carriers, emulsifiers, or surfactants.
Solvents and carriers help to dissolve or disperse the active ingredient to facilitate an even delivery of the pesticide to the target. The choice of solvent or carrier can affect the rate and extent of absorption of the active ingredient, as well as its distribution and persistence in the environment.
Water is a common solvent and carrier used in many pesticide formulations, especially for foliar applications. Water is readily available, inexpensive, and generally safe to use.
Petroleum-based solvents, such as mineral oil or kerosene, are often used in pesticide formulations to dissolve or disperse the active ingredient. These solvents can be effective at increasing the penetration of the active ingredient into plant tissues, but they can also be flammable and pose environmental risks. Vegetable oils, such as soybean or cottonseed oil, can also be used as carriers in pesticide formulations. These oils are often used in emulsifiable concentrate formulations, which can provide better coverage and adhesion than water-based formulations.
Organic solvents, such as alcohols or esters, can be used as carriers in some pesticide formulations. These solvents can be effective at dissolving or dispersing the active ingredient but can also be volatile and potentially toxic.
Glycols, such as propylene glycol or ethylene glycol, can be used as carriers in some pesticide formulations. These solvents can help improve the active ingredient's solubility and stability, but they can also be toxic to humans and wildlife if not used properly.
Emulsifiers are inert ingredients that are used to help mix together substances that are not normally soluble in each other, such as oil and water. In pesticide formulations, emulsifiers can help to suspend the active ingredient in the spray solution and ensure that it is evenly distributed across the target surface. Emulsifiers affect the size and stability of the droplets in the spray solution, which in turn can affect the effectiveness and efficiency of the pesticide.
Stabilizers are inert ingredients that can help to prevent the active ingredient from degrading or decomposing over time and can help to maintain its potency and effectiveness. Stabilizers affect the stability and shelf-life of the pesticide product and can potentially affect its efficacy and safety.
EPA registration and establishment number
Each product has a registration number given by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Aside from product identification, the registration number also identifies the manufacturer. The EPA establishment number identifies the facility that produced the product. The establishment number on the pesticide label can help regulators track the source of the product and ensure that it was produced by a registered facility that follows good manufacturing practices. This can help to prevent the distribution and use of counterfeit or substandard pesticide products. Only pesticides registered with the EPA and with an establishment number on their label can be legally sold, distributed, or used. Be sure to check the legitimacy of the pesticides because using or selling unregistered pesticides can result in fines and legal actions.
Net contents
The net content displays how much a full container holds in dry or liquid units. This is important to note because buying more pesticides than you need can be expensive, especially if you only plan to use it once. You can save money and avoid wasting leftover pesticides by purchasing the exact amount needed. Furthermore, having no leftovers reduces the risk of accidental exposure and keeps yourself and others safe.
Formulation
Pesticides are formulated in different ways depending on the specific need and intended use of the product. There may be letters seen beside the brand name on the label. These are abbreviations for the formulation of the pesticide or how the pesticides are applied or prepared.
Aerosol (A).Aerosol pesticides are products that are dispensed as a fine mist or spray from a pressurized container. They are commonly used for indoor pest control, such as controlling household insects like cockroaches and ants. But also used for outdoor pest control, such as control for trees and crops’ insects and diseases. They also provide quick knockdown of pests, which means that they can kill pests rapidly upon contact.
Bait (B). Bait pesticides are a type of pesticide that uses an attractant to lure pests to the product, where they consume the pesticide and are subsequently killed. One of the main advantages of bait pesticides is that they can effectively control pests with minimal exposure to the active ingredient, which can reduce the risk of unintended harm to non-target organisms or the environment.
Dust (D).Dust-formulated pesticides are pesticides that are formulated in a powdered or dust-like form for application. They can be applied using various equipment, including hand-held dusters, mechanical dusters, or other types of applicators.
Dry flowable (DF).Dry flowable pesticides are dry, free-flowing powders that can be easily mixed with water to form a suspension for application. They are easier to handle and store because they have less risk of spilling or leaking compared to liquid formulations.
Emulsifiable concentrate (EC).Emulsifiable concentrates are a type of liquid formulation of pesticides that consists of a mixture of active ingredients and solvents that are designed to be mixed with water to create a stable form of pesticide that is easy to apply. EC pesticides require caution, as they can be harmful to humans and the environment if not used properly because they are usually supplied in concentrated form.
Flowable (FL). Flowable pesticides are a type of liquid pesticide formulation that are finely ground solid particles suspended in a liquid carrier, such as water or oil. They are designed to provide an even and uniform application of the active ingredient because the particles remain suspended in the liquid and do not settle out over time.
Granule (G). Granule pesticides are solid pesticide formulations made of small, dry particles designed to be scattered on the ground or other surfaces. They can be applied quickly and efficiently without the need for special equipment.
Microencapsulated (M). Microencapsulated consists of small droplets of active ingredient enclosed in a protective shell or capsule designed to release the active ingredient slowly over time. The controlled release of the active ingredient reduces the need for frequent application.
Pellet (P).Pellet formulationconsists of small, compressed pellets or tablets containing the active ingredient. The pellets are coated with a material that helps them to break down slowly over time, releasing the active ingredient gradually into the environment.
Ready-to-use (RTU). Ready-to-use pesticides come in a pre-mixed, ready-to-apply form. These formulations do not require any additional mixing or dilution with water or other substances before use and can be applied directly to the targeted area or surface.
Soluble powder (SP).Soluble powder pesticidescome in a dry, powdered form that can be dissolved in water to create a liquid spray or solution. They can be applied using standard spraying equipment.
Ultra-low-volume concentrate (ULV).Ultra-low-volume concentrate pesticides that are designed to be used in very low volumes. They are concentrated liquids that are diluted with a small amount of carrier oil or water to create a spray or fog to control pests.
Wettable powder (WP). Wettable powder pesticides come in a dry, powdered form that is mixed with water to create a liquid spray or solution. They contain finely ground particles of the active ingredient, wetting agents, and dispersants, which help the powder mix easily with water.
Water-dispersible granule (WDG). Water-dispersible granule is a type of pesticide formulation in a granular form that can be easily mixed in water to create a liquid spray or solution.
Precautionary statements
Precautionary statements on pesticide labels provide vital information to users about the potential hazards associated with using the product. This information enables them to make informed decisions regarding the proper handling and safe use of the pesticide. On the back panel of the label, four kinds of precautionary information can be found - physical or chemical hazards, signal words and symbols, first aid treatment, and hazards to humans and animals.
Physical or chemical hazards
Physical hazards refer to the potential for the pesticide to cause harm through physical means, such as by igniting, exploding, or causing chemical burns. For example, some pesticides may be highly flammable or reactive and therefore need to be handled with extreme caution.
Chemical hazards involve the possibility of harm resulting from the use of chemicals, which can include toxicity or corrosiveness. Certain pesticides may have high levels of toxicity, posing a danger to humans or animals, or may be corrosive and cause injury to the skin or eyes upon contact.
By including information on physical and chemical hazards on pesticide labels, users can be informed of the potential risks associated with the product and take appropriate precautions to protect themselves or the environment. This information may include instructions on how to handle and store the product, protective gear that should be worn when handling the product, and emergency procedures in case of accidental exposure or ingestion.
Signal words and symbols
Signal words (caution, warning, danger, poison) and symbols indicate the toxicity level of pesticides to humans. The word caution, denoted by the green color label, means the pesticide is slightly toxic. Warning or blue label means moderately toxic. Danger, represented by a yellow label, implies that the pesticide is highly toxic. Extremely toxic pesticide bears the word poison on its label, printed in red color with a photo of a skull and crossbones.
Toxicity level and precautionary warning signs (Wikipedia Commons)
The signal words and symbols on the product label enable users to easily and quickly identify potential hazards and take necessary safety measures. For instance, users may take precautions by using protective equipment such as gloves or goggles or being extra careful when storing or handling the product.
First aid instructions
This section provides information concerning appropriate first aid for different kinds of accidental exposures. In the event of accidental exposure to a pesticide, first aid instructions can help users take appropriate steps to minimize harm. This may include instructions on washing exposed skin, flushing eyes with water, or seeking medical attention if symptoms persist.
Environmental hazards
Environmental hazards indicate potential harm to non-target organisms like bees and fish. This label section warns if the product can damage wildlife or bodies of water. The warning may say, “Do not apply this product while bees are foraging.”
Direction for use
The direction for use section explains the correct application and dosage of the pesticide. It may also include the interval application rate, the maximum limit amount to be used per cropping season, and how soon the crop can be harvested after an application.
It is important to follow the directions of usage to minimize potential health and environmental hazards and maximize the efficiency of the application. Excessive dosage may cause damage to crops that may lead to yield reduction or worse, wilting of crops.
Storage and disposal
This section explains where to store the product best. It also explains what to do with unused pesticides and where to dispose of empty pesticide containers.
Labels are placed on containers to be read and followed. The use of pesticides aside from their intended use indicated on the label is illegal and punishable by law. Furthermore, improper amount and application will only result in ineffectiveness in controlling pests while posing risk to the user and the environment.