But because pesticides are made to kill or control living organisms it is difficult to make them harmless to humans in case of accidental contact or ingestion. They vary in toxicity to man, ranging from very mild to extremely toxic.
Many pesticides sold for agricultural use can cause severe illness, even death, if misused.
Less toxic formulations ordinarily used in home and garden pesticides still must be handled, applied and stored with care to avoid illness and irritation. The most readily available source of accurate information regarding safe pesticide use can be found on the label of each pesticide container. Failure to do so can result in a serious accident that could make you subject to civil and criminal penalties. As little as a few drops of such material taken orally could be fatal to persons weighing about 150 pounds. One teaspoon to 1 ounce of this material could prove fatal to a 150-pound person.