Label Review Training: Module 4: Applying the Principles of Pesticide Label Review, Page 11

Section 3: How should I review for clarity?

Jargon

To further enhance label clarity, do not use terms that the user will not readily understand. For example, the following language was once standard on products for outdoor agricultural use and most turf and lawn-care products:

“For terrestrial uses: Do not apply directly to water, or to areas where surface water is present or to intertidal areas below the mean high water mark. Do not contaminate water when disposing of equipment washwater or rinsate.”
 

Although farmers and commercial users generally understand and are used to this language, the average homeowner probably had trouble understanding the meaning of “intertidal areas below the mean high water mark.”

PR Notice 2008-1 addresses this issue by recommending that for residential consumer products the above statement be replaced with a statement that is specific to the end-use of the product. For example, the following language is recommended for liquid ready-to-use products (products for spot-treatment of weeds or insects):

“To protect the environment, do not allow pesticide to enter or run off into storm drains, drainage ditches, gutters or surface waters. Applying this product in calm weather when rain is not predicted for the next 24 hours will help to ensure that wind or rain does not blow or wash pesticide off the treatment area.”

This new statement uses words and concepts that any user can easily understand.

Resource

For more information about guidance on optional environmental hazard label language for certain non-restricted use pesticide products intended for outdoor residential use, see PR Notice 2008-1.

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