Virginia Commercial Pesticide Applicators CORE Exam

What is the primary purpose of a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for a pesticide product?

1. To provide marketing information about the product

2. To give technical information on environmental and health effects

3. To serve as a legal document for pesticide sales

4. To outline regulatory requirements for sale

The correct answer is: To give technical information on environmental and health effects

The primary purpose of a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is to provide critical technical information on the environmental and health effects associated with the use of a pesticide product. The MSDS includes details on the chemical composition, potential hazards, exposure limits, safe handling practices, and first-aid measures in case of accidental exposure. This information is essential for ensuring the safe use of the product by applicators, workers, and the general public. By providing comprehensive details about how the pesticide might affect human health and the environment, the MSDS helps users make informed decisions about the proper handling, storage, and application of the product. In contrast, marketing information is not the focus of an MSDS; the document is more about safety and technical guidance. While some aspects of regulations may be related to the information contained in an MSDS, the sheet itself does not serve as a legal document for sales or outline regulatory requirements. Instead, the primary function is geared toward ensuring safety and compliance with health standards, making the technical information on environmental and health effects the most critical aspect.