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.
Specialty: Toxicology, Emergency Medicine, Critical Care