What is the purpose of the signal word?

• A. Informs the user of what type of PPE to wear
• B. Informs the user of how toxic the pesticide is to wildlife and the environment
• C. To give the user an indication of the relative acute toxicity of the product to humans and animals.
• D. None of the above

Answer: (C)

The signal word on a pesticide label is a quick hazard cue about acute toxicity to people and animals. It tells you how severe the short-term poisoning risk is, so you know how carefully you must handle and apply the product. The strongest words (like Danger/Poison) mean high acute toxicity and require strict precautions; a Medium level (Warning) and a lower level (Caution) indicate progressively less risk. This is about immediate toxicity, not long-term or environmental effects. Those other concerns are described in different parts of the label, such as PPE requirements and environmental hazard statements. So the purpose is to give an indication of relative acute toxicity to humans and animals.