How much of a pesticide with a signal word of WARNING is generally required to kill an average adult?

The correct answer is that a pesticide with a signal word of WARNING typically requires a teaspoon to a tablespoonful to kill an average adult. The signal word WARNING indicates that the pesticide is moderately toxic, and although it may not be as lethal as substances labeled with the signal word DANGER, it still poses significant risks to human health.

Toxicity levels for various pesticides are classified using signal words, where WARNING denotes a requirement for a larger amount of the substance compared to those classified as DANGER, which are extremely toxic and might require only a few drops or a very small quantity to be lethal. In contrast, products labeled CAUTION are the least toxic and necessitate even larger volumes to achieve fatal results. Therefore, for substances indicated with WARNING, the range of a teaspoon to a tablespoonful reasonably represents the amount needed to achieve severe toxicity in an adult human.

Understanding this classification helps in promoting safe handling and application practices for household pesticides, ensuring that users are aware of the potential dangers associated with their use.