Oregon Pesticide Practice Test

What signal word is associated with a pesticide that has an LD50 of 50-500 mg/kg?

1. Notice

2. Warning

3. Danger

4. Caution

The correct answer is: Warning

The signal word "Warning" is appropriately associated with a pesticide that has an LD50 (lethal dose for 50% of the test population) of 50-500 mg/kg. In the context of pesticide labeling, signal words are used to indicate the toxicity of the product, which helps users understand the potential hazards. An LD50 value in the range of 50-500 mg/kg suggests that the pesticide is moderately toxic. The classification of pesticides based on their toxicity is generally standardized, where "Danger" indicates high toxicity (with an LD50 of 50 mg/kg or less), "Warning" indicates moderate toxicity, and "Caution" signifies low toxicity (with an LD50 greater than 500 mg/kg). The signal word "Notice" is not a recognized classification in this context. Choosing "Warning" reflects that handlers must exercise caution and proper safety measures while using the pesticide due to its potential health risks. Understanding this classification system is essential for ensuring the safe handling and application of pesticides.