What does the signal word on a pesticide label indicate?

The signal word on a pesticide label serves as a critical indicator of the pesticide's toxicity level, which refers to how poisonous a substance is to humans and animals. This word helps users quickly assess the potential risk associated with handling and applying the product.

For instance, commonly used signal words include "Caution," "Warning," and "Danger," arranged to reflect increasing toxicity. The presence of a specific signal word alerts the applicator to the necessary precautions to take when using the pesticide, thereby ensuring safety for both the user and the environment. Understanding the signal word is essential for anyone working with pesticides, as it directly informs them about the necessary safety measures and personal protective equipment required to mitigate risks.

The other options, while relevant to pesticide information, do not pertain to the role of the signal word. Effectiveness relates to how well the pesticide controls pests, shelf life pertains to the duration the product remains effective, and intended use describes the pests the product targets or the locations it can be applied. None of these attributes are communicated through the signal word as directly as toxicity is.