How is the hazard level ranked on pesticide labels?

The ranking of hazard levels on pesticide labels is primarily done using precautionary signal words. These signal words, such as "Caution," "Warning," and "Danger," indicate the relative toxicity of the pesticide. Each word represents a specific level of potential hazards to human health, animals, and the environment. "Danger" indicates the highest level of toxicity, while "Caution" signals the lowest. This standardized system allows consumers and professionals to quickly assess the safety and risks associated with handling and applying the pesticide.

While color-coding, symbol types, and manufacturer ratings may also appear on some product labels, they do not provide a consistent or standardized method for communicating hazard levels as effectively as precautionary signal words do. Therefore, the use of these signal words is crucial for ensuring safety and promoting awareness among those using pesticides.