How are pesticides categorized for toxicity and signal words assigned?

Pesticides are categorized for toxicity based on the highest measured toxicity level of the active ingredient. This categorization process involves evaluating data from a range of studies that explore how harmful a substance can be to humans and the environment. The signal words assigned, such as “Caution,” “Warning,” or “Danger,” correspond to the level of toxicity and indicate the degree of hazard that users may be exposed to.

For example, a pesticide that has a low level of toxicity might be labeled with “Caution,” while one that is highly toxic could have “Danger” as its signal word. This system provides users with important, standardized information that helps them understand the potential risks associated with handling and applying various pesticides.

The other options do not accurately reflect the established process for assigning toxicity categories and signal words. The use of the highest measured toxicity level ensures a consistent and science-based approach rather than relying on subjective factors or random sampling.