![]() Pesticides with a high LD 50 are the least toxic to humans if used according to the directions on the product label. The lower the LD 50 or LC 50 value of a pesticide product, the greater its toxicity to humans and animals. LD 50 and LC 50 values are useful in comparing the toxicities of different active ingredients and different formulations containing the same active ingredient. Additionally, the LD 50 and LC 50 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). This measure is usually expressed as the LD 50 (lethal dose 50) or the LC 50 (lethal concentration 50). In addition, eye and skin irritation are also examined.Īcute 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. Acute toxicity is determined by examining the dermal toxicity, inhalation toxicity, and oral toxicity of test animals. The harmful effects that occur from a single exposure by any route of entry are termed "acute effects." The four routes of exposure are dermal (skin), inhalation (lungs), oral (mouth), and the eyes. Acute Toxicity and Acute EffectsĪcute 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. By wearing a pair of unlined, chemical-resistant gloves, this type of exposure can be nearly eliminated. For example, more than 95 percent of all pesticide exposures come from dermal exposure, primarily to the hands and forearms. ![]() However, applicators can minimize or nearly eliminate exposure-and thus reduce hazard-by following the label instructions, using personal protective clothing and equipment (PPE), and handling the pesticide properly. By understanding the difference in toxicity levels of pesticides, a user can minimize the potential hazard by selecting the pesticide with the lowest toxicity that will control the pest.Īpplicators may have little or no control over the availability of low-toxicity products or the toxicity of specific formulated products. The active ingredient is the chemical component in the pesticide product that controls the pest. 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 toxicity of a pesticide is a measure of its capacity or ability to cause injury or illness. Hazard depends on the toxicity of the pesticide and the amount of exposure to the pesticide and is often illustrated with the following equation: Hazard, or risk, of using pesticides is the potential for injury, or the degree of danger involved in using a pesticide under a given set of conditions. Therefore, people who use pesticides or regularly come in contact with them must understand the relative toxicity, potential health effects, and preventative measures to reduce exposure to the products they use. Because pesticides are toxic, they are also potentially hazardous to humans, animals, other organisms, and the environment.
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