Reading a Pesticide Label
Chemicals are a way of life in most American homes. A
typical home may contain 100 to 200 products used for
cleaning, painting, lubricating, disinfecting, etc. the
house, yard, workshop, and garage. When used according to
label directions, most household products pose little
hazard to people or the environment. However, these
products may become hazardous when used, stored, or
disposed of carelessly. Improper use may cause toxic
health effects. Improper storage may harm people or the
environment. Some chemicals when released into the
environment cause water, soil or air pollution and may be
toxic to people or animals. Improper disposal allows
these materials to enter the environment directly. Water
may be polluted or wildlife killed, or chemicals may
accumulate in the food chain of people or wildlife.
The products listed in this guide typically contain
hazardous materials. Hazardous materials may be toxic,
ignitable, corrosive, or reactive (may explode during
routine handling), alone or in combination with other
materials. A few precautions can prevent unused household
products or containers from becoming hazardous wastes.
Think carefully before buying a product. Do you really
need it? Do you already have something similar? Buy just
enough product to do the job.
Look for a non-hazardous or less hazardous substitute
for each job. Read the label and follow use, storage, and
disposal directions carefully. (Watch for signal words
such as caution, warning or danger. Keep these products
out of reach of children and animals!) Keep leftover
product in original labeled container. Share unused
materials with others if product is in original container
with a label. Locate firms for recycling oil, antifreeze,
batteries. Locate a community hazardous waste collection
or help organize one.
Drain all containers thoroughly before disposal.
Triple rinse all containers of water soluble materials.
Use rinse water according to label. Do not dump leftover
products. It may be illegal and it contaminates the soil,
water, and air.
Do not burn used or leftover products. Burning may
produce toxic fumes. Do not bury leftover products. Do
not reuse pesticide or other chemical containers for
other purposes.Do not mix chemical products or wastes. Do
not put products in other than original container. Do not
put any liquids in the trash. Do not put toxic materials
such as pesticides in the trash or sewer. Do not put
products containing heavy metals (mercury, lead, nickel,
chromium, cadmium, etc.) such as re-chargeable or mercury
batteries in the trash.
Do not permit wastes to enter unlicensed or
unregulated landfill, recycles, incinerator, hauler, etc.