Under federal law, which action is unlawful and subject to penalties?

Detaching, altering, defacing, or destroying any part of a container or labeling is considered unlawful under federal law because it compromises the integrity and the informational value of the pesticide product. Labels provide critical information about the safe and effective use of pesticides, including application rates, safety precautions, and environmental considerations. Altering this information can lead to misuse, which poses risks to human health, non-target organisms, and the environment. Federal regulations are designed to ensure that all pesticides are used according to their labeled instructions, which are established based on extensive safety evaluations. Violating labeling requirements can result in significant penalties, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the integrity of pesticide labels for safe use.

Using a pesticide for agricultural purposes, applying a pesticide in a residential area, or wearing protective gear while applying pesticides does not inherently violate federal laws. These actions can be compliant with regulations when done according to the label instructions and safety standards.