Pictograms: how to understand labels ?
Despite their obvious simplicity, it is sometimes difficult to navigate with all the pictograms printed on the labels of our various products. Is it dangerous for health ? Toxic to the environment ? Easily flammable ? In order to better navigate, we scrutinize the different pictograms that can be found on a daily basis.
What is a pictogram and what are they used for ?
A pictogram is an image that represents a concept or idea in a simplified and easily identifiable way. We find them very frequently to illustrate instructions, warnings or safety instructions. They are present on labels are used to provide important information about the products or materials they represent. They can be used to indicate health and safety risks, instructions for use or handling, or the performance or quality characteristics of a product. Pictograms are graphic symbols that can be easily recognized and understood, even by people who do not speak the language in which the label is printed. It is important to read labels carefully and understand the information they contain so that you can use and handle products safely and effectively.
CLP pictograms were introduced in Europe as a result of Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008 known as the CLP Regulation (understand “Classification Labelling Packaging” or “Classification Labelling Packaging” in French). (1)
To find your way around…
It is important to be aware of these pictograms and to follow the safety instructions associated with them. There are several different pictograms that can be used to signal different types of hazards, such as toxic, flammable, corrosive, irritant chemicals, etc. They are divided into 3 hazard classes: physical hazards, health hazards and environmental hazards. Here, wehave chosen to present below some of the many existing pictograms (9 in total (2)), and more precisely those that you can find on the labels of the various hygiene products on the market :
GHS02 pictogram: fire hazard
Represented by a flame, this pictogram identifies the products that can ignite: in contact with a flame or spark, in contact with air, in contact with water (by producing flammable gases that ignite spontaneously or in the presence of an energy source). Many products are identified by this symbol but makesure our hygiene products do not have this property.
GHS05 pictogram: corrosion
It will report chemicals that can attack or destroy metals or eat away at the skin and or eyes in case of contact or projection. The corrosion symbol identifies products that are corrosive to eyes, skin and/or metals. Rest assured this pictogram does not go without advice of caution which clearly indicates that it is necessary to wear protective equipment when using it (eg gloves, protective glasses …).
GHS06 pictogram: acute toxicity
This symbol representing a skull on two shins identifies acute toxic chemicals. They poison rapidly (even in low doses) by inhalation, ingestion and/or skin contact. This pictogram therefore identifies chemicals capable of causing death within minutes, hours or days after exposure. Our products are obviously not affected by this type of danger.
GHS07 pictogram: harmful or irritant
This hazard pictogram will identify chemicals that may be harmful if used in high doses, irritating to the skin, eyes or respiratory tract, may cause drowsiness or dizziness, may destroy the ozone layer in the upper atmosphere, may be skin sensitizers or allergens. Rest assured this pictogram does not go without a precautionary advice that clearly indicates how to use the product so as not to harm its health or the environment.
GHS08 pictogram: serious health effects
This hazard pictogram will indicate at least one of the following properties: carcinogenic, germ cell mutagenic, reprotoxic, toxic to certain target organs (following a single exposure or following repeated exposure), respiratory sensitizing (allergenic), fatal by aspiration (ingestion and penetration into the respiratory tract). Our products are obviously not affected by this type of danger.
GHS09 Pictogram: Aquatic toxicity
This hazard pictogram identifies products that will be harmful to aquatic organisms such as crustaceans, algae or fish. It will signal short-term toxicity (acute toxicity) or long-term adverse effects (chronic toxicity) on aquatic organisms. At Breyner, we take care of the aquatic environment and all our products are thus exempt from this danger.
BREYNER commitments
BREYNER now works exclusively with an active substance of origin, or plant-inspired, geraniol, which is non-neurotoxic to humans. Thus, we are part of a virtuous triangle of green protection that combines performance, environment and health. And for more than 25 years , we have been providing traceability and quality control from our R&D laboratory to distribution. Because it is fundamental to give ourselves the means to ensure the performance and especially the sincerity of our solutions.
For this, Maëlle our R&D engineer makes sure to design the most effective formulas with the best possible control of the impact of our products on Man and the environment. For example, none of our products contain permethrin or cypermethrin, substances toxic to humans (3) and your pets (4), yet very common in the list of ingredients TP18 available on the market.
Also, unlike many competing products, our products are not classified as hazardous to the aquatic environment. You will never find the corresponding pictogram on our product labels. Indeed, for BREYNER it is possible to fight against pests by controlling the danger on other species.
Thus, at BREYNER we are convinced that to protect our planet, it requires small daily gestures and ensuring the production of products whose impact on man and the environment is controlled, is one (5). And if our products are TP18, by definition they are insecticides, acaricides and products used to control other arthropods. They are therefore intended to control pests and therefore cannot include the words “non-toxic”, “does not harm health”, “natural”, “environmentally friendly”, “animal-friendly”, or any other similar indication. These are highly regulated products: find all the details of Charlotte, our regulatory manager via her latest blog post concerning the claims prohibited by the Biocidal Regulation (BPR)(6)!
In this way, we put you in the confidentiality of our products and their characteristics on which we wish to be always more efficient.
Finally, when you are facing a bed bug infestation or if you are sensitive to dust mites, you are looking for an effective product to kill this scourge that puts your nerves to the test! But in such a situation, do not forget that an effective product can also be green and responsible for controlled toxicity! So be sure to select the right products, with active substances of plant origin, without permethrin or cypermethrin and make sure that its impact on the environment remains controlled! 😊
Thus, to make the choice of BREYNER treatments is to make a choice for tomorrow, the choice of a
Responsible approach for ourselves and future generations.
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Sources :
(2) https://orme-conseil.com/pictogramme-chimique/
(3) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3670196/
(4) https://www.inc-conso.fr/content/la-permethrine-substance-toxique-pour-les-chats
(6) https://breyner.fr/2022/11/08/focus-sur-les-allegations-interdites-par-le-reglement-biocide/
Use biocidal products with caution. Before use, read the label and product information. Before any use, make sure that it is essential, especially in places frequented by the general public. Whenever possible, preference should be given to alternative methods and products presenting the lowest risk to human and animal health and the environment. This product is an insecticide/acaricide TP18. Dangerous. Follow the precautions for use.