Toxicity of Pesticides
The toxicity of a pesticide is its capacity or ability to cause injury or illness. The toxicity of a particular pesticide is determined by subjecting test animals to varying dosages of the active ingredient (a.i.) and each of its formulated products. The active ingredient is the chemical component in the pesticide product that controls the pest. The two types of toxicity are acute and chronic.
Acute toxicity of a pesticide refers to the chemical's ability to cause injury to a person or animal from a single exposure, generally of short duration. The four routes of exposure are dermal (skin), inhalation (lungs), oral (mouth), and eyes. Acute toxicity is determined by examining the dermal toxicity, inhalation toxicity, and oral toxicity of test animals. In addition, eye and skin irritation are also examined.
Acute toxicity is measured as the amount or concentration of a toxicant-- the a.i.--required to kill 50 percent of the animals in a test population. This measure is usually expressed as LD50 (lethal dose 50) or LC50 (lethal concentration 50). Additionally, the LD50 and LC50 values are based on a single dosage and are recorded in milligrams of pesticide per kilogram of body weight (mg/kg) of the test animal or in parts per million (ppm). LD50 and LC50 values are useful in comparing the toxicities of different active ingredients and different formulations containing the same active ingredient. The lower the LD50 or LC50 of a pesticide product, the greater its toxicity to humans and animals. Pesticides with a high LD50 are the least toxic to humans if used according to the directions on the product label.
The chronic toxicity of a pesticide is determined by subjecting test animals to long-term exposure to the active ingredient. Any harmful effects that occur from small doses repeated over a period of time are termed chronic effects. Some of the suspected chronic effects from exposure to certain pesticides include birth defects, production of tumors, blood disorders, and neurotoxic effects (nerve disorders). The chronic toxicity of a pesticide is more difficult to determine through laboratory analysis than acute toxicity.
Products are categorized on the basis of their relative acute toxicity (their LD50 or LC50 values). Pesticides that are classified as highly toxic (Toxicity Category I) on the basis of either oral, dermal, or inhalation toxicity must have the signal words DANGER and POISON printed in red with a skull and crossbones symbol prominently displayed on the front panel of the package label. The Spanish equivalent for DANGER, "PELIGRO," must also appear on the labels of highly toxic chemicals. The acute (single dosage) oral LD50 for pesticide products in this group ranges from a trace amount to 50 mg/kg. For example, exposure of a few drops of a material taken orally could be fatal to a 150-pound person.
Some pesticide products have the signal word DANGER without the skull and crossbones symbol. This is because possible skin and eye effects are more severe than suggested by the acute toxicity (LD50) of the product.
Pesticide products considered moderately toxic (Toxicity Category II) must have the signal word WARNING and "AVISO" (the Spanish equivalent) displayed on the product label. In this category, the acute oral LD50 ranges from 50 to 500 mg/kg. A teaspoon to an ounce of this material could be fatal to a 150-pound person.
Pesticide products classified as either slightly toxic or relatively nontoxic (Toxicity Categories III and IV) are required to have the signal word CAUTION on the pesticide label. Acute oral LD50 values in this group are greater than 500 mg/kg. An ounce or more of this material could be fatal to a 150-pound person.
Despite the fact that some pesticide products are considered only slightly toxic or relatively nontoxic, all pesticides can be hazardous to humans, animals, other organisms, and the environment if the instructions on the product label are not followed. Use the pesticide only as recommended by the manufacturer. As the applicator, you are legally responsible for any misuse of a pesticide.
Table 1 summarizes the LD50 and LC50 values for each route of exposure for the four toxicity categories and their associated signal word. For example, an active ingredient with a dermal LD50 of 1,000 mg/kg would be in Toxicity Category II with a WARNING signal word. Keep in mind, an active ingredient may have a high LD50 placing it in a Toxicity Category II, III, or IV but also have corrosive eye/skin effects that take priority and place it in Toxicity Category I.
Although every pesticide is different and the product label should be consulted to determine the personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements for each chemical, some general rules apply for choosing PPE according to the different toxicity categories (Table 2).
| Routes of Exposure | Toxicity Cat. I | Toxicity Cat. II | Toxicity Cat. III | Toxicity Cat. IV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral LD50 | Up to and including 50 mg/kg | 50-500 mg/kg | 500-5,000 mg/kg | >5,000 mg/kg |
| Inhalation LC50 | Up to and including 0.2 mg/l | 0.2-2 mg/l | 2-20 mg/l | >20 mg/l |
| Dermal LD50 | Up to and including 200 mg/kg | 200-2,000 mg/kg | 2,000-20,000 mg/kg | >20,000 mg/kg |
| Eye Effects | Corrosive corneal opacity not reversible within 7 days | Corneal opacity reversible within 7 days; irritation persisting for 7 days | No corneal opacity; irritation reversible within 7 days | No irritation |
| Skin Effects | Corrosive | Severe irritation at 72 hours | Moderate irritation at 72 hours | Mild or slight irritation at 72 hours |
| Signal Word | DANGER POISON |
WARNING | CAUTION | CAUTION |
Adapted from 40 CFR Part 156.
| Route of Exposure | Toxicity Cat. I | Toxicity Cat. II | Toxicity Cat. III | Toxicity Cat. IV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dermal toxicity or skin irritation potential | Coveralls worn over long-sleeved shirt and long pants Socks Chemical-resistant footwear Chemical-resistant gloves |
Coveralls worn over short-sleeved shirt and short pants Socks Chemical-resistant footwear Chemical-resistant gloves |
long-sleeved shirt and long pants Socks Chemical-resistant footwear no minimum |
long-sleeved shirt and long pants Socks Chemical-resistant footwear no minimum |
| Inhalation toxicity | Respiratory protection device | Respiratory protection device | no minimum | no minimum |
| Eye irritation potential | Protective eyewear | Protective eyewear | no minimum | no minimum |
The acute oral and dermal LD50 values of commonly used pesticides are listed in the following tables and include acaricides, bactericides, fungicides, herbicides, insect growth regulators, insecticides, nematicides, and plant growth regulators. The common chemical name of the active ingredient followed by an example of a trade name is listed in the first column. Use categories (general or restricted) are indicated in the second column. The acute oral LD50 and acute dermal LD50 are in the third and fourth columns. The fifth column indicates the restricted-entry interval (REI). The REI is the time immediately after a pesticide application when entry into the treated area is limited.
Information presented here is for preliminary planning only. Exclusive reliance must be placed on the product label supplied by the manufacturer. All pesticide toxicity values, including the LD50, can be found on the product's Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). Pesticide labels and MSDS can be obtained from retailers or manufactures. In addition, most products also have information that can be found on the Internet.
Poison Control Centers 1-800-222-1222 Calling the toll-free National Poison Center hotline above will connect you to the nearest poison center. Pennsylvania residents are served by the Pittsburgh Poison Center and the Poison Control Center in Philadelphia.
| Active Ingredient, Trade name | Use Category3 | LD50 - Oral | LD50 - Dermal | REI5 (hours) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| dicofol, Kelthane, Kelthane MF | G | 570-595 | >2,000 | 12 |
| disulfton, Di-syston | G | 2-12 | 3.6-15.9 | 48 |
| endosulfan, Phaser | G | 160 | 359 | 24 |
| etoxazole, Secure | G | >5,000 | >2,000 | 12 |
| fenbutatin-oxide, Vendex | R | 2,631 | >2,000 | 48 |
| formetanate hydrochloride, Carzol | G | 21 | >10,200 | 48, 72 |
| hexythiazox, Savey | G | >5,000 | >5,000 | 12 |
| pyridaben, Sanmite | G | 820-1,350 | >2,000 | 12 |
| sulfur | G | >5,000 | >5,000 | 12, 24, 48 |
| tetradifon, Tedion | G | >10,000 | >10,000 | 12 |
LD50 values are (mg/kg)4
| Active Ingredient, Trade name | Use Category3 | LD50 - Oral | LD50 - Dermal | REI5 (hours) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| acibenzolar-S-methyl, Actigard | G | >5,000 | >2,000 | 12 |
| dimanin A, Bayclean | G | 290 | -- | -- |
| hydrogen dioxide, Terra Clean | G | 330 | 1,410 | 0 |
| oxytetracycline, Mycoshield | G | >5,000 | >2,000 | 12 |
| pseudomonas fluorescens A506, Blight Ban | G | -- | -- | 4 |
| streptomycin, Agri-Mycin-17, Agri-Strep | G | 9,000 | -- | 12 |
LD50 values are (mg/kg)4
| Active Ingredient, Trade name | Use Category3 | LD50 - Oral | LD50 - Dermal | REI5 (hours) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| acibenzolar-S-methyl, Actigard | G | >5,000 | >2,000 | 12 |
| azoxystrobin, Abound, Quadris | G | >2,000 | >5,000 | 4 |
| Bacillus subtilis, Serenade | G | >5,000 | >2,000 | 12 |
| boscalid, Endura | G | >2,000 | >2,000 | 12 |
| captan* | G | 9,000 | -- | 96 |
| carboxin, Vitavax | G | 3,820 | >4,000 | 24 |
| chlorine, Clorox (bleach) | G | -- | -- | 12 |
| chloroneb | G | >5,000 | >5,000 | 12 |
| chloropicrin, Chloro-o-Pic | R-3, 10 | 250 | -- | 72 |
| chlorothalonil*, Bravo | G | >10,000 | >10,000 | 24 |
| Coniothyrium minitans, Contans | G | -- | -- | 4 |
| copper, fixed8 | G | -- | -- | 12, 24 |
| copper hydroxide, Spin Out | G | 1,000 | -- | 24 |
| cymoxanil, Curzate | G | 1,100 | >3,000 | 12 |
| dichloropropene, Telone | R | 127 | 423 | 120 |
| dicloran, Botran | G | tech 5,000 | -- | 12 |
| difenoconazole, Dividend | G | 1,453 | 2,010 | 48 |
| dimethomorph, Acrobat | G | 3,900 | >2,000 | 24 |
| dodine, Syllit | G | 1,000 | >6,000 | 48 |
| etridiazole, Terrazole | R,G | 1,077 | >2,000 | 12 |
| famoxodone, Famoxate | G | >5,000 | >5,000 | 12 |
| fenbuconazole, Enable, Indar | R,G | >2,000 | >5,000 | 12 |
| fenhexamid, Elevate | G | >5,000 | >5,000 | 4 |
| fluazinam, Omega | G | >5,000 | >2,000 | 48 |
| fludioxonil, Maxim | G | >5,000 | >2,000 | 12 |
| flutolanil, Folistar | G | 10,000 | >5,000 | 12 |
| fosetyl Al, Aliette | G | 5,000 | >2,000 | 12, 24 |
| harpin protein, Messenger | G | >5,000 | >6,000 | 4 |
| iprodione*, Rovral | G | >4,400 | >2,000 | 12, 24 |
| kresoxim-methyl, Sovran | G | 5,000 | >2,000 | 12 |
| mancozeb, Dithane, Manzate | G | >5,000 | >5,000 | 24 |
| maneb, Manex | G | tech 7,990 | >5,000 | 24 |
| metalaxyl, Apron, Ridomil | G | tech 669 | >3,100 | 12 |
| metalaxyl-M, Ridomil Gold | G | >5,000 | >2,000 | 48 |
| metam potassium, K-Pam | G | 630 | >1,000 | 48 |
| methyl bromide*, MC-2, Terr-O-Gas 67 | R-8 | see footnote 7 | 48 | |
| metiram, Polyram | G | tech >6,810 | >2,000 | 12 |
| myclobutanil, Nova | G | 1,600 | >5,000 | 24 |
| PCNB, Terraclor | G | tech 1,700-5,000 | 2,000-4,000 | 12, 24 |
| propamocarb hydrochloride, Previcar | G | 2,900 | >3,000 | 12 |
| propiconazole*, Tilt, Orbit | G | 1,517 | >4,000 | 24 |
| pyraclostrobin, Cabrio, Headline | G | >500 | >4,000 | 12 |
| sodium chlorite, Alcide | G | -- | -- | 12 |
| streptomycetes, SoilGard | G | -- | -- | 12 |
| sulfur | G | >5,000 | >5,000 | 12, 24, 48 |
| tebuconazole, Horizon | G | 4,000 | 5,000 | 12 |
| thiabendazole*, Mertect | G | 3,100 | -- | 12 |
| thiophanate-methyl, Topsin M | G | 7,500 | -- | 12 |
| thiram, Thylate | G | tech 1,000 | >5,000 | 12 |
| triadimefon, Bayleton | G | 812 | >2,000 | 12 |
| trifloxystrobin, Gem, Flint | G | >5,000 | >2,000 | 12 |
| triflumizole, Procure | G | 2,230 | >2,000 | 12 |
| triphenyltin hydroxide, Super Tin | R-7 | 156-345 | 1,600 | 48 |
| vinclozolin, Ronilan | G | tech 10,000 | -- | 12 |
| zoxamide, Gavel | G | >5,000 | >5,000 | 48 |
LD50 values are (mg/kg)4
| Active Ingredient, Trade name | Use Category3 | LD50 - Oral | LD50 - Dermal | REI5 (hours) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| acetochlor, Degree | R | 2,148 | 4,166 | 12 |
| acifluorfen, Blazer | G | 2,025 | >2,000 | 48 |
| alachlor, Lasso, Partner | R-12 | tech 930-1,350 | 13,300 | 12 |
| ametryn, Evik | G | 1,950 | -- | 12 |
| asulam, Asulox | G | >5,000 | >2,000 | 12 |
| atrazine, AAtrex | R | 1,869 | >3,100 | 12 |
| bensulide, Prefar | G | tech 271-1,470 | -- | 12 |
| bentazon, Basagran | G | 2,063 | >6,050 | 12 |
| bromoxynil, Brominal, Buctril | G | tech 260 | >2,000 | 12 |
| butylate, Sutan + | G | 4,500 | >4,640 | 2 |
| carfentrazone-ethyl, Aim | G | 5,143 | >4,000 | 12 |
| CDAA, Randox | G | 750 | -- | 12 |
| chlorimuron ethyl, Classic | G | >4,000 | >2,000 | 12 |
| chlorpropham, Chloro IPC, Sprout Nip | G | 3,800 | -- | 48 |
| clethodim, Select | G | 3,610 | >5,000 | 12, 24 |
| clomazone, Command | G | 1,369 | >2,000 | 12 |
| clopyralid, Stinger | G | >5,000 | >2,000 | 12 |
| cycloate*, Ro-Neet | G | 3,160-4,640 | -- | 12 |
| dalapon*, Dowpon M | G | 9,330 | -- | 24 |
| DCPA*, Dacthal | G | >10,000 | >2,000 | 24 |
| desmedipham, Betanex | G | >3,960 | >10,000 | 24 |
| dicamba, Banvel, Clarity | G | 2,629 | >2,000 | 12, 24 |
| dimethenamid, Frontier, Outlook | G | 849 | >2,000 | 12 |
| diquat | G | 215-235 | 400 | 24 |
| diquat dibromide, Reward | G | 600 | 260 | -- |
| diuron, Karmex | G | tech >5,000 | >5,000 | 12 |
| endothall, Desicate II | R | 233 | 481 | 48 |
| EPTC, Eradicane | G | tech 1,630 | -- | 12 |
| ethalfluralin, Curbit 3E | G | >10,000 | >10,000 | 12 |
| fenoxaprop-ethyl, Acclaim | G | 2,565 | >2,000 | 24 |
| fluazifop-P-butyl*, Fusilade DX | G | 3,328 | -- | 12 |
| flumetsulam, Python | G | >5,000 | >2,000 | 12 |
| flumiclorac-pentyl, Resource | G | 3,200 | >2,000 | 12 |
| fomesafen, Reflex | G | 1,858 | -- | 24 |
| foramsulfuron, Option | G | >3,881 | >5,000 | 12 |
| glufosinate-ammonium, Liberty | G | 1,620 | 4,000 | 12 |
| glyphosate, Roundup, Touchdown | G | >5,000 | >5,000 | 24 |
| halosulfuron-methyl, Manage, Permit | G | 1,287 | >5,000 | 12 |
| hexazinone, Velpar | G | 1,690 | 5,278 | 24 |
| imazamox, Raptor | G | >5,000 | >4,000 | 24 |
| imazaquin, Scepter | G | >5,000 | >5,000 | 12 |
| imazethapyr, Pursuit | G | >5,000 | >2,000 | 12, 24 |
| lactofen, Cobra | G | >5,000 | >2,000 | 12 |
| linuron, Linex, Lorox | G | tech 4,000 | -- | 24 |
| MCPA, U 46 M-Fluid | G | 900-1,160 | >4,000 | 12, 24, 48 |
| mesotrione, Callisto | G | >5,000 | >2,000 | 12 |
| S-metolachlor, Dual Magnum | G | tech 2,780 | 10,000 | 12 |
| metribuzin, Sencor, Lexone | R-14 | tech 1,100-2,300 | >20,000 | 12 |
| metsulfuron-methyl, Ally | G | >5,000 | >2,000 | 4 |
| napropamide, Devrinol | G | >4,640 | -- | 12 |
| naptalam, Alanap L | G | 1,770 | -- | 24 |
| nicosulfuron, Accent | G | >5.000 | >2,000 | 4 |
| norflurazon, Solicam | G | >8,000 | >20,000 | 12 |
| oryzalin, Surflan | G | >10,000 | -- | 12 |
| oxyfluorfen, Goal | G | tech >5,000 | >10,000 | 24 |
| paraquat, Gramoxone Max | R-1,8 | 150 | -- | 12, 48 |
| pebulate, Tillam | G | tech 921-1,900 | >4,640 | 12 |
| pendimethalin, Prowl | G | 1,250 | >5,000 | 12, 24 |
| phenmedipham*, Spin-aid | G | >8,000 | >4,000 | 24 |
| picloram, Tordon | R | 8,200 | >5,000 | 12 |
| primisulfuron-methyl, Beacon | G | >5,050 | >2,010 | 12 |
| pronamide, Kerb | R-5 | tech 8,350 | 5,620 | 12 |
| propachlor, Ramrod | G | 500-1,700 | >20,000 | 48 |
| propanil, Stampede | G | >2,500 | >5,000 | 24 |
| prosulfuron, Peak | G | 4,360 | 2,020 | 12 |
| quizalofop-P-ethel, Assure II | G | 1,210 | -- | 12 |
| rimsulfuron, Shadeout | G | >5,000 | >2,000 | 4 |
| sethoxydim, Poast | G | 2,676-3,125 | >5,000 | 12, 24 |
| simazine, Princep | G | >5,000 | >3,100 | 12 |
| sulfentrazone, Authority | G | 2,855 | >2.000 | 12 |
| terbacil*, Sinbar | G | 5,000-7,500 | -- | 12 |
| thifensulfuron-methyl, Harmony GT | G | >5,000 | >2.000 | 4 |
| triasulfuron, Amber | G | >5,050 | >2.000 | 4 |
| triclopyr, Garlon, Remedy | G | tech 630 | >2.000 | 48 |
| trifluralin, Treflan, Trilin | G | >10,000 | -- | 12, 24 |
| 2,4-D (acid) | R(NJ),G | 375 | -- | 12, 24 |
| 2,4-DB, Butyrac | G | >2,000 | >10,000 | 48 |
LD50 values are (mg/kg)4
| Active Ingredient, Trade name | Use Category3 | LD50 - Oral | LD50 - Dermal | REI5 (hours) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| azadirachtin, Aza-Direct | G | >5,000 | >2,000 | 12 |
| cyromazine, Trigard | R,G | 3,387 | >3,100 | 12 |
| fenoxycarb, Comply | G | 16,800 | >2,000 | -- |
| hydroprene, GenTrol | G | >34,000 | 5,100 | -- |
| S-kinoprene, Enstar II | G | 4,900 | 9,000 | 4 |
| S-methoprene, Precor | G | >34,000 | >2,000 | -- |
| pyriproxyfen, Esteem, Knack | G | >5,000 | >2,000 | 12 |
LD50 values are (mg/kg)4
| Active Ingredient, Trade name | Use Category3 | LD50 - Oral | LD50 - Dermal | REI5 (hours) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| abamectin, Agri-Mek (FB) | R | 300 | >1,800 | 12 |
| acephate, Address, Lancer (OP) | G | tech 980 | >10,250 | 24 |
| acetamiprid, Assail | G | 1,064 | >2,000 | 12 |
| aldicarb*, Temik (CA) | R | 5 | >2,000 | 48 |
| azadirachtin, Neemix | G | >5,000 | >2,000 | 12 |
| azinphos-methyl, Guthion (OP) | R-1,2,3,8,10,12 | tech 5-20 | 220 | 48 |
| Bacillus thuringiensis aizawai, XenTari (BT) | G | See footnote 6 | 4 | |
| Bacillus thuringiensis aizawa + kurstaki, Agree (BT) | G | See footnote 6 | 4 | |
| Bacillus thuringiensis encapsulated delta endotoxin, Mattch (BT) | G | See footnote 6 | 4 | |
| Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki, Crymax (BT) | G | See footnote 6 | 4 | |
| Bacillus thuringiensis tenebrionis, Novodor (BT) | G | See footnote 6 | 4 | |
| bifenthrin, Brigade, Empower (PY) | R | 262 | >2,000 | 24 |
| bifenazate, Acramite | G | >5,000 | >2,000 | 12 |
| carbaryl*, Sevin (CA) | G | 500 | 850 | 12 |
| carbofuran, Furadan (CA) | R-3 | 8 | >3,000 | 48 |
| chlorethoxyfos, Fortress (PY) | R | tech 1.8-4.8 | 12.5-18.5 | 48 |
| chlorpyrifos*, Lorsban (OP) | R | 92-276 | 2,000 | 12, 24 |
| cryolite, Kryocide, Prokil (IO) | G | >5,000 | -- | 12 |
| cyfluthrin, Baythroid (PY) | R | 500 | >5,000 | 12 |
| cyhalothrin-lambda, Karate (PY) | R-12 | 79 | 632 | 24 |
| cypermethrin, Ammo (PY) | R | 250 | 2,000 | 12 |
| deltamethrin, Pounce | R-12 | 431 | >2,000 | 12 |
| diazinon (OP) | R-11 | tech 300-400 | 3,600 | 12, 48 |
| dicofol, Kelthane (CH) | G | 570 | 2,000 | 12 |
| diflubenzuron, Dimilin | R | 4,640 | >10,000 | 12 |
| dimethoate*, Cygon (OP) | R(NJ),G | tech 235 | >400 | 48 |
| disulfoton, Di-Syston (OP) | R-2,3 | tech 4 | 10 | 48 |
| emamectin, Proclaim (FB) | R | 1,516 | >2,000 | 48 |
| endosulfan, Thiodan, Phaser (CH) | R(NJ),G | tech 160 | 48 | |
| esfenvalerate, Asana XL (PY) | R-12 | 468 | >2,000 | 12 |
| ethoprop, Mocap (OP) | R | 61 | 2 | 48 |
| fenamiphos, Nemacur (OP) | R-1,10 | 10 | >2,000 | 48 |
| fenproparthrin, Danitol (PY) | R | 66 | >2,000 | 24 |
| fipronil, Regent | R | 336 | 382 | 0 |
| imidacloprid, Admire, Gaucho (NN) | G | tech 450 | >5,000 | 12 |
| indoxacarb, Avaunt (CA) | G | 268 | >5,000 | 12 |
| insecticidal soap, M-Pede (SO) | G | 16,900 | -- | 12 |
| lindane (CH) | R-5 | 88-125 | 1,000 | 12, 24 |
| malathion, Cythion (OP) | G | tech 5,500 | >2,000 | 12 |
| metaldehyde, Deadline (OT) | G | 630 | -- | 12, 24 |
| methamidophos, Monitor (OP) | R-2,11 | tech 20 | 130 | 48 |
| methomyl, Lannate (CA) | R-8,10 | 17 | 5,880 | 48 |
| methoxychlor (CH) | G | 6,000 | -- | 12 |
| methoxyfenozide, Intrepid | G | >5,000 | >5,000 | 4 |
| methyl parathion*, Metacide (OP) | R-2,8,10,11 | 6 | 50 | 48 |
| oxamyl, Vydate L (CA) | R | 37 | 2,960 | 48 |
| oxydemeton-methyl*, Metasystox-R (OP) | R | tech 50 | 150 | 48 |
| PBO (piperonyl butoxide), Incite (OT) | G | >7,500 | -- | 12 |
| permethrin, Ambush, Pounce (PY) | R-12 | tech >4,000 | >4,000 | 24 |
| phorate*, Thimet (OP) | R-2,10,11 | tech 2-4 | 20-30 | 48 |
| phosmet, Imidan (OP) | R(NJ),G | tech 147-316 | >4,640 | 24 |
| pymetrozine, Fulfill (OT) | G | >5,000 | >2,000 | 12 |
| pyrethrins, Pyganic (BO) | G | 1,500 | >1,800 | 12 |
| pyrethrum (BO) | G | 1,500 | >1,800 | 12 |
| rotenone*, Rotenox, Noxfire (BO) | G | 132-1,500 | -- | 12, 24, 48 |
| spinosad, SpinTor, Entrust (ML) | G | >5,000 | >2,000 | 4 |
| sulfur (IO) | G | >5,000 | >5,000 | 12, 24, 48 |
| tebufenozide, Confirm (PY) | G | >5,000 | >5,000 | 4 |
| tefluthrin, Force (PY) | R | 1,213 | >2,000 | 0 |
| terbufos, Counter (OP) | R-1,2 | tech 4.5 | 1.1 | 48 |
| tetramethrin, Ammo | R-12 | >5,000 | >2,000 | 12 |
| thiamethoxam, Actara, Platinum (NN) | G | >5,000 | >2,000 | 12 |
| thiodicarb, Larvin (CA) | G | 66 | >2,000 | 12 |
| zeta-cypermethrin, Mustang (PY) | R-10,12 | 234 | >2,000 | 12 |
LD50 values are (mg/kg)4
| Active Ingredient, Trade name | Use Category3 | LD50 - Oral | LD50 - Dermal | REI5 (hours) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| chloropicrin | R-3,10 | 250 | -- | 72 |
| DCP, dichloropropene | R(NJ),G | 300 | 333 | 72 |
| ethoprop, Mocap | R-2 | 61.5 | 2.4 | 48 |
| fenamiphos, Nemacur | R-2 | tech 3 | 200 | 48 |
| metam-sodium, Vapam HL | G | 1,891 | >3,074 | 48 |
| methyl bromide*, MC-2, Terr-O-Gas 67 | R-8 | see footnote 7 | 48 | |
| oxamyl, Vydate L | R | 37 | 2,960 | 48 |
LD50 values are (mg/kg)4
| Active Ingredient, Trade name | Use Category3 | LD50 - Oral | LD50 - Dermal | REI5 (hours) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAP, Exilis | G | 3,980 | -- | 4 |
| chlormequat chloride, Cycocel-Extra | G | 883 | >4,000 | 12 |
| daminozide, B-Nine | G | >5,000 | >5,000 | 24 |
| dikegulac sodium, Atrimmec | G | 31,000 | >1,000 | -- |
| ethephon, Ethrel | G | 4,229 | -- | 48 |
| flurprimidol, Cutless | G | 709 | -- | -- |
| gibberellic acid, GibGro, ProGibb | G | 1,000-25,000 | -- | 4 |
| lactic acid, Propel | G | 3,543 | >2,000 | 48 |
| maleic hydrazide, Royal MH-30 | RG | >5,000 | >5,000 | 12 |
| mepiquat chloride, Pix | G | -- | 12 | |
| naphthaleneacetamide, Thin-it | G | 1,690 | 2,000 | 48 |
| l-naphthaleneacetic acid, Fruite | G | 2,520 | -- | 48 |
| paclobutrazol, Bonzi | G | 5,346 | >1,000 | 12 |
| Plant Extract 620, Agrispon | G | >20,000 | -- | -- |
| prohexadione-calcium, Apogee | G | >5,000 | >2,000 | 12 |
| Trinexapac ethyl, PrimoMaxx | G | >5,050 | 2,020 | 0 |
| uniconazole-P, Sumagic | G | 2,020 | >2,000 | 12 |
LD50 values are (mg/kg)4
Footnotes to Tables
-- = Data not available
* = Material covered under the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA) for storage notification.
1The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) now requires growers to keep on file Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for certain chemicals used during normal spray programs. These MSDS should be obtained from either your local pesticide dealer or directly from the chemical manufacturer. Some labels carry technical assistance phone numbers that you can call for further information. Call this number to request a MSDS from the manufacturer.
2Type class: BO = botanical, BT = bacterial, CA = carbamate, CH = chlorinated hydrocarbon, FB = fermentation by-product, IO = inorganic, ML = macrocyclic lactone, NN = neonicotinoid, OP = organic phosphate, OT = other, PY = pyrethroid, and SO = soap
3Use category: R = restricted use and G = general use. Chemicals are designated as general or restricted use by state or federal agencies. Restricted use may not apply to all formulations or all uses of a formulation. Check the label to be sure. The designation "NJ" refers to a compound that is classified as restricted use in New Jersey. The number(s) after the R designation refer to the following reasons for being classified as a federal restricted use product:
- acute oral toxicity
- acute dermal toxicity
- acute inhalation toxicity
- corrosive to eyes
- potential to cause tumors
- potential to cause genetic mutations
- potential to cause adverse reproductive effects
- accident history
- exposure hazard to workers
- potential effects on wildlife
- potential effects on birds
- potential effects on fish and/or other aquatic species
- potential for groundwater contamination
- lack of data
4LD50 = milligrams of substance per kilogram of body weight of the test animal. The symbol > indicates the value is greater than the number listed. Formulations: LD50 values given are for formulated material as you would purchase it; for example, 50WP, 4E, etc., unless otherwise noted. Source: 2001 Farm Chemicals Handbook; information is listed as supplied by manufacturer.
5REI (Restricted-entry interval): The EPA Worker Protection Standard now requires minimum 12-hour reentry times for all Category III (CAUTION) pesticides, 24-hour minimum reentry times for all Category II (WARNING) pesticides, and 48-hour minimum reentry times for all Category I (DANGER) pesticides. In New Jersey, the NJDEP Pesticide Control Program has designated 48-hour reentry times for some pesticides which EPA has assigned 12- or 24-hour reentry times. Chemicals with multiple designations are based on product and/or formulation differences.
6Toxicity of Bacillus thuringiensis is listed as harmless to humans, animals, and useful insects. Bacillus thuringiensis is listed under several commercially available trade names such as Agree, Biobit, Cutlass, Crymax, DiPel, Javelin, Ketch, Lepinox, Mattch, Novodor, Prolong, Raven, and XenTari. Bacillus thuringiensis materials are marketed as several different subspecies such as aizawai, kurstaki, and tenebrionis. Different Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies may have different insect control properties. Please check labels for pest insects controlled before use.
7Acute vapor toxicity, 200 ppm, extremely hazardous by vapor inhalation. Liquid can cause eye and skin burns.
