What does the signal word on a pesticide label indicate?

The signal word on a pesticide label is a critical piece of information that indicates the relative acute toxicity of the product to humans and animals. It helps users quickly assess the potential health risks associated with the pesticide. Signal words such as "Caution," "Warning," or "Danger" provide a clear and immediate understanding of the level of toxicity:

• "Caution" indicates the lowest level of toxicity,

• "Warning" signals a moderate level,

• "Danger" denotes a higher level of toxicity and often indicates specific hazards such as corrosiveness.

This information is vital for ensuring safe handling, application, and storage of the product. Understanding the signal word is essential for pesticide safety and compliance with regulations.

The other answer choices pertain to aspects that do not relate to the signal word:

• The price of the pesticide does not provide any information about its safety or toxicological effects.

• An expiration date is important for determining product efficacy but is not indicated by the signal word.

• The volume of pesticide contained in the package is relevant for application rates but does not indicate toxicity.

Thus, the signal word's primary function is to communicate acute toxicity, making it a crucial part of reading and understanding pesticide labels.