safety signal or precautionary word, which is either “danger,” “warning” or “caution.” Products with the signal word “danger” are highest in toxicity. “Acute six pack and acute toxicology studies provide an understanding not only about the product’s active ingredi- ents and the toxicity related to them, but also about the inert ingredients that are used,” Moseley says. “We have to understand what is associated with those products in combi- nation with all their ingredients to put a precautionary word on the label.” The acute “six pack” is a battery of tests to provide information on health hazards likely to arise from a short- term exposure to a specific chemistry. These six tests include acute oral toxicity, acute dermal toxicity, acute inhalation toxicity, primary eye irritation, primary dermal irritation and dermal sensitiza- tion. Acute toxicity studies are conducted to determine the short-term adverse effects of a chemistry. “I just want our customers to know and think about much time and effort goes into establishing even what the signal word that needs to be on that label,” he says. “These words indicate how acutely toxic the product is to humans and domestic animals.” The signal word for Clariva Elite Beans is “caution.” This means the product is slightly toxic if eaten, absorbed through the skin or inhaled. When it comes into physical bodily contact, it causes slight eye or skin irritation. Personal Protective Equipment Stewardship is also being responsible for the safety and well-being of those who use and handle treated seed and seed treatment pesticides. Even for products with a “caution” signal word indicat- ing slight toxicity, personal protective equipment (PPE) is required. Exactly what per- sonal protective equipment is needed when applying these products is based on the product’s signal word and the exposure location. For example, if the product user has eye-related concerns, goggles or maybe a full-face shield might be required. You can wear equipment that’s above and beyond what you necessarily need, but you shouldn’t be wearing less then what is listed on the label. “Think about how much time and effort has gone into establishing what that signal word should be for each and every individual product in the marketplace,” Moseley says. “We actually go out into the field and work with a contrac- tor to evaluate and establish whether or not people are doing safe practices.” He says Syngenta does a lot with Seedcare products to make sure that people are actu- ally using its products properly. These are actual infield stud- ies that take place during the season when people are treat- ing and handling seeds. “We try to discourage the use of compressed air for equipment cleaning,” Moseley says. “With com- pressed air cleaning, you usually end up blowing a lot of dust, which in some cases includes active ingredients. We support using high-effi- ciency particulate air (HEPA) vacuums and the filters asso- ciated with those vacuums.” HEPA vacuums differ from conventional vacuums in that they contain filters that are capable of trapping extremely small, micron-sized particles. A true HEPA filter can trap 99.97 percent of all airborne particles larger than 0.3 microns. Another thing Syngenta’s Seedcare infield studies have uncovered is improper use of gloves. Syngenta wants to make sure that people use chemical resistant gloves that are more than 14 millilit- ers thick. Always wear proper gloves even when checking seed flow during treating. Do not use thin nitrile or doctors’ gloves or cloth gloves for pro- tection from seed treatment chemicals. Some products explicitly prohibit the use of cotton or cloth gloves. Always wear the proper respirator and get fit-tested. In terms of what workers should wear, always look to the product label, especially as PPE relates to the precau- tionary word on the label. Stewardship and Application Syngenta’s Seedcare Institute focuses on four key areas: recipe development; seed treatment application, quality assessment and engineer- ing; stewardship and prod- uct training. Also, within the SCI network are services for seed safety and seed testing. Every mixture of a new seed treatment recipe needs to be tested so it does not harm the seed quality. SEPTEMBER 2018 SEEDWORLD.COM / 55 “A significant part of the cost to develop a new product is spent developing and understanding the toxicity of these products.” — Carroll Moseley