Which signal word indicates a pesticide is highly toxic and likely to cause acute illness or severe irritation?

• A. Danger
• B. Danger-Poison
• C. Warning
• D. Caution

Answer: (A)

Signal words on pesticide labels show how dangerous a product is and what level of precautions to take. Danger is the highest warning and signals that the product is highly toxic and could cause severe illness or severe irritation from contact, inhalation, or ingestion. Because of that, the label will demand the strictest protective measures, such as specialized clothing, eye protection, and careful handling to prevent exposure. The other terms indicate lower hazard levels—Warning means moderate toxicity, and Caution indicates relatively low toxicity with lighter precautions. While some labels may use a phrase like Danger-Poison, the standard highest-toxicity indicator you’ll rely on in this context is Danger, which aligns with a high acute risk.