Another sure sign of spring is flowers, fruits, and vegetables growing in gardens at farms, nurseries, and backyards. Along with these pleasant items, chemicals and pesticides are also present. Firefighters and EMS personnel who are called to aid people who are exposed to poisoning, as a result of pesticides should know how to read the labels of the containers. Caution means that the product is slightly toxic if taken by mouth, through the skin, or by inhalation. The product may also cause slight eye or skin irritation.
Warning means moderately toxic by the same routes.
Danger means the product can cause severe eye damage or skin irritation. Danger-Poison with a skull and crossbones symbol means the product is highly toxic by any route of entry. The label also has precautionary statements, first aid treatments, and recommendations for medical personnel. Remember that even slightly toxic substances can be very dangerous if the exposure is over a lengthy period of time and be certain to have adequate personal protective equipment for your personnel on the scene. Fire deaths from lighter play dropped from 230 in 1994 to 130 in 1998.