CPA Pesticide Label Comprehension 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under FIFRA, the pesticide label is considered which of the following?
- A manufacturer's suggestion
- A legally binding document (Correct answer)
- A general safety guideline
- An optional reference tool
Correct answer: A legally binding document
Under FIFRA, the pesticide label is a legally enforceable document, and using a pesticide inconsistently with its label is a federal violation.
Question 2: What does the signal word 'CAUTION' indicate about a pesticide product?
- Highly toxic — fatal in small amounts
- Moderately toxic — may cause reversible effects
- Slightly toxic or relatively non-toxic (Correct answer)
- Non-toxic with no restrictions
Correct answer: Slightly toxic or relatively non-toxic
'CAUTION' is used for pesticides that are slightly toxic or relatively non-toxic (Toxicity Category III or IV).
Question 3: A pesticide label states 'PHI: 14 days.' What does this mean for a vegetable grower?
- Apply the product 14 days before transplanting
- Do not harvest the crop within 14 days of the last application (Correct answer)
- Repeat the application every 14 days
- Store the product for at least 14 days before use
Correct answer: Do not harvest the crop within 14 days of the last application
PHI (Pre-Harvest Interval) is the minimum number of days that must pass between the last application and harvest.
Question 4: Which section of a pesticide label lists the crops or sites where the product is legally approved for use?
- Precautionary statements
- Directions for use / use sites (Correct answer)
- Storage and disposal
- Physical and chemical hazards
Correct answer: Directions for use / use sites
The 'Directions for Use' section specifies the registered use sites, crops, pests, and application methods permitted by the EPA.
Question 5: What information is found in the 'Environmental Hazards' section of a pesticide label?
- Personal protective equipment requirements
- Risks to wildlife, aquatic organisms, or non-target species (Correct answer)
- First aid instructions for poisoning
- Storage temperature requirements
Correct answer: Risks to wildlife, aquatic organisms, or non-target species
The Environmental Hazards section warns applicators about potential risks to birds, fish, bees, and other non-target organisms.
Question 6: A label specifies a maximum of 2 lb a.i./acre per season. An applicator has already applied 1.5 lb a.i./acre. How much active ingredient can they legally apply in one more application?
- 2 lb a.i./acre
- 1.5 lb a.i./acre
- 0.5 lb a.i./acre (Correct answer)
- 0 lb a.i./acre — no more applications allowed
Correct answer: 0.5 lb a.i./acre
The seasonal maximum is 2 lb a.i./acre; with 1.5 already applied, only 0.5 lb a.i./acre remains within the legal limit.
Question 7: Which of the following statements about restricted-use pesticides (RUPs) on the label is correct?
- Anyone may purchase and apply them with a receipt
- They may only be purchased and used by certified applicators or persons under their direct supervision (Correct answer)
- They are banned for all commercial use
- They require a doctor's prescription before purchase
Correct answer: They may only be purchased and used by certified applicators or persons under their direct supervision
RUPs present greater risks and are restricted to certified applicators or individuals working under their direct supervision.
CPA Pesticide Label Comprehension 2
Under FIFRA, the pesticide label is considered which of the following?