UPM SPECIALIST WRITING ARTICLES

PESTICIDE LABEL COLOR: DANGER LEVEL INDICATOR

Amizatul Najeha Lukmanulhakim, Pegawai Perkhidmatan Pendidikan, Bidang Pertanian, Pusat Asasi Sains Universiti Putra Malaysia. Emel: amizatulnajeha@upm.edu.my

 

Pesticides are widely used all over the world, to eradicate any pest problems in cultivated areas and residences. However, how eloquent is the knowledge of consumers about the colors of pesticides labels and their effects on consumers?

Diagram 1.0: Class IV (Class 4) pesticides sample.

 

Referring to the interpretation of the Pesticide Act 1974 [Act 149] 'Pesticide Label' (Product Labeling Unit, Registration and Compliance Section, Pesticide and Fertilizer Control Division (BKRPB), Department of Agriculture Malaysia, 2023) is any written thing, printed or graphic i.e. mounted, affixed or embossed, either directly or otherwise, on the package of a pesticide; or that joins a pesticide (RMP).

So how are these pesticides classified and what is the classification?

In Malaysia especially, every label placed on the pesticide bottle must be colored tape based on the class provided by the LRMP including the word hazmat (safety of use), statements and warning symbols associated with the class group and the properties of the substance in question.

 

As can be seen in Diagram 2.0, pesticides are divided according to color and class classification. For highly classified pesticides such as the top two classes which are class 1a and 1b, it is not recommended to use it openly and continuously because of their chemical properties which are dangerous not only to pests but also to humans.

For class IV pesticides that have white stripes or no color, they are safe to use not only on the farm, but also in the human living environment such as the use of insect aerosol sprays at home. However, its use must be made with caution, especially for children.

Several types of high-class pesticides such as Furadan (Carbofuran) and Chlorpyrifos have been banned from use by the Department of Agriculture nationwide since May 1, 2023. (Product Labeling Unit, Registration and Compliance Section, Pesticide and Fertilizer Control Division (BKRPB), Department of Agriculture Malaysia, 2023)

    

Figure 3.0: Prohibition of the use of Carbofuran and Chlorpyrifos in Malaysia.

Melaka State Department of Agriculture (2022)

 

Clearly, the use of pesticides should be done with caution especially for higher class pesticides which are class II, Ib and Ia. Farmers or users are strongly advised to use gloves, gas masks or hazmat suits (PPE / protective suits) when handling high-class pesticides to prevent any unwanted incidents from happening.

In conclusion, users should clearly know the needs, the correct handling methods, and the appropriate type of pesticides to use before handling it.

Reference:

1. Tanimola, A. A., & Godwin-Egein, M. I. (2009). Assessing the efficacy of carbofuran (Furadan) as a standard nematicide for protecting crops in the field. Environment and Ecology, 27(4A), 1681-1684.
2. Salim, H., Rawi, C. S. M., Ahmad, A. H., & Al-Shami, S. A. (2015). Efficacy of pesticides and biopesticides ground sprays to control Metisa plana Walker (Lepidoptera: Psychidae) in oil palm plantations, Malaysia. Tropical life sciences research, 26(2), 73.
3. Unit Pelabelan Produk, Seksyen Pendaftaran Dan Pematuhan, Bahagian Kawalan Racun Perosak Dan Baja (BKRPB), Jabatan Pertanian Malaysia. (2023). GARIS PANDUAN PELABELAN PRODUK RACUN MAKHLUK PEROSAK (PINDAAN 2023). Jabatan Pertanian Malaysia. Retrieved from https://www.doa.gov.my/doa/resources/aktiviti_sumber/sumber_awam/maklumat_racun_perosak/pendaftaran_rmp/garis_panduan_pelabelan_produk_rmp_pindaan2023.pdf
4. Bahagian Kawalan Racun Perosak, Jabatan Pertanian Malaysia. (2024). RACUN MAKHLUK PEROSAK BERDAFTAR. Retrieved from http://www.portal.doa.gov .my/ racunberdaftar/

 

 

Date of Input: 06/06/2024 | Updated: 06/06/2024 | hasniah