Pesticide Labels Lack Important Information for Consumers: Study

A new study by California regulators has found that many household pesticide labels lack basic information needed for consumers to safely use them and avoid the risk of injury. 

The report, presented this week at the national meeting of the American Chemical Society, is the result of an investigation by reviewers at the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA). According to a MedicineNet.com story, the researchers concluded that the labels of many pesticides could lead to consumers using too much and exposing them to dangerous pesticide side effects.

CalEPA researchers looked at the labels of a number of products that contained para-dichlorobenzene (pDCB), including mothballs, mildew prevention products, and products designed to protect domesticated birds from lice and mites. Researchers found that the labels all contained information on the minimum amount necessary for the products to be effective, but they contained no data on the maximum amounts that would be safe to use.

Did You Know?

Millions of Philips CPAP Machines Recalled

Philips DreamStation, CPAP and BiPAP machines sold in recent years may pose a risk of cancer, lung damage and other injuries.

Learn More

Researchers also said that the labels do not tell pDCB users how long they need to air out clothing that has been stored with mothballs in order for them to be safe to wear. They said they are concerned that people could be taking the clothing out of storage, where it has been absorbing pDCB fumes from mothballs for an extended period of time, and then wear them immediately.

The findings are of concern in the wake of recent national studies that found that some people, particularly minority groups, have increased levels of indoor air pollutants, including pDCB, which is only used in residential products in California.

Para-dicholrobenzene is a chlorine and benzene based chemical used as a pesticide and a deodorant. It is common in mothballs, disinfectants and urinal cakes. It is not easily soluble in water and has a strong odor. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has determined that pDCB probably causes cancer, but there is no direct evidence. Both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have placed limits on exposure in drinking water and on exposure in the workplace. California has determined that the chemical is a known carcinogen.

Animal testing has resulted in liver and kidney tumors when exposed at high levels, and consuming pDCB induces vomiting in human adults.

0 Comments

"*" indicates required fields

Share Your Comments

I authorize the above comments be posted on this page*

Have Your Comments Reviewed by a Lawyer

Provide additional contact information if you want an attorney to review your comments and contact you about a potential case. This information will not be published.

NOTE: Providing information for review by an attorney does not form an attorney-client relationship.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

More Top Stories

Bard Argues Hernia Mesh Lawsuits Previously Selected for Bellwether Trials Are No Longer
Bard Argues Hernia Mesh Lawsuits Previously Selected for Bellwether Trials Are No Longer "Representative" (Posted 5 days ago)

Bard claims two cases selected for the third and fourth bellwether trials are no longer representative of the litigation due to the plaintiffs' worsening injuries and need for additional surgeries due to their failed hernia mesh products.