What does a 'DANGER' or 'WARNING' signal word indicate on a pesticide label?

• A. They indicate the level of acute toxicity; 'DANGER' is more hazardous, while 'WARNING' is less hazardous; follow label directions.
• B. They indicate the product's environmental fate.
• C. They indicate the product is safe for children.
• D. They indicate the product is for outdoor use only.

Answer: (B)

On a pesticide label, the words DANGER and WARNING indicate how toxic the product is to people and animals in terms of acute (short-term) exposure, and they point to the level of precautions you must take. DANGER signals a higher hazard and typically requires stronger protective measures (like gloves, goggles, protective clothing, and possibly a respirator) and stricter handling—while WARNING means a lower but still significant hazard that also calls for protective gear and careful use. These signal words guide the safety actions you must take, not how the product behaves environmentally, nor whether it is safe for children or whether it can be used outdoors. So the key idea is that they reflect acute toxicity hazard and the corresponding precautions.