Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Toxicity Categories for Pesticides

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified pesticides based on toxicity following an exposure.

Parameters:

(1) oral LD50

(2) inhalation LD50

(3) dermal LD50

(4) effects on the eyes

(5) effects on the skin

Parameter	Finding	Category
oral LD50	> 5,000 mg/kg	I
	501 - 5,000 mg/kg	II
	50.1 - 500 mg/kg	III
	<= 50 mg/kg	IV
inhalation LD50	> 20 mg/L	I
	2.01 - 20 mg/L	II
	0.21 - 2.0 mg/L	III
	<= 0.2 mg/L	IV
dermal LD50	> 20,000 mg/kg	I
	2,001 - 20,000 mg/kg	II
	201 - 2000 mg/kg	III
	<= 200 mg/kg	IV
effects on the eyes	no irritation	I
	no corneal opacity; irritation reversible in 7 days	II
	corneal opacity reversible in 7 days; irritation persisting for 7 or more days	III
	corneal opacity not reversible within 7 days	IV
effects on the skin	mild or slight irritation at 72 hours	I
	moderate irritation at 72 hours	II
	severe irritation at 72 hours	III
	corrosive with chemical burns	IV

All pesticides should be labeled based on the maximum category. In addition, all pesticides should be labeled "Keep out of reach of children."

Category	Label Designation
I for oral, inhalation or dermal LD50	Poison and Danger
I for eye or skin effect(s)	Danger
II	Warning
III	Caution
IV	Caution

where:

• A poison is designated with a skull and crossbones.

To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.