The signal word on a pesticide label provides information about the product’s acute and chronic toxicity.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not sure
• D. Sometimes

Answer: (B)

Signal words on a pesticide label convey how toxic the product is in short-term, or acute, exposure. They are tied to acute toxicity categories determined from tests like LD50 or LC50, giving a quick sense of immediate danger if someone is exposed for a brief period. They do not indicate long-term or chronic toxicity, which refers to effects from repeated or prolonged exposure over time. Chronic hazards are described elsewhere on the label, such as in sections about long-term health effects, carcinogenicity, reproductive toxicity, or other chronic risk statements. So the statement is false: the signal word reflects acute hazard, not chronic toxicity. For example, a product may carry a Danger label because it is highly acutely toxic, even if there are no stated chronic risks, while another product might have low acute toxicity but still pose chronic risks with long-term use. Always review the full label to understand both acute and chronic hazards.