Which of the following is an important aspect of pesticide safety?

Reading labels carefully is a fundamental aspect of pesticide safety because labels provide critical information regarding usage, application rates, safety precautions, and environmental protection measures. They are the primary source of guidance for users, ensuring that pesticides are applied correctly to minimize risks to human health, non-target organisms, and the environment. Labels also include important details about personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements, first aid instructions, and reentry intervals, which are vital for maintaining safety during and after application.

In contrast, using less effective products could lead to inadequate pest control, prompting the use of more chemicals, which can pose greater risks. Ignoring safety data sheets would mean missing essential information on the potential hazards of the chemical, thus compromising safety practices. Applying more than recommended can increase the risk of harm to the environment and non-target organisms, leading to potential legal repercussions and damage to ecosystems. Therefore, adhering to label instructions directly supports safe pesticide practices.