Wilkinson, R.L., Cary, J.W., Barr, N.F., & Reynolds, J. (1997). Comprehension of pesticide safety information: Effects of pictorial and textual warnings. International Journal of Pest Management, 43(3), 239-245.

Wilkinson, R.; Cary, J.; Barr, N.; Reynolds, J.

1997

Wilkinson, R.L., Cary, J.W., Barr, N.F., & Reynolds, J. (1997). Comprehension of pesticide safety information: Effects of pictorial and textual warnings. International Journal of Pest Management, 43(3), 239-245.

This experiment was designed to test whether warning labels on agricultural pesticide containers could be better understood by users if pictograms illustrating appropriate safety precautions were added to existing labels containing text only. Labels with added pictograms were perceived by pesticide users as significantly easier to obtain information from than labels containing text only. However, the effect of pictograms in improving the effectiveness of the communication of safety information to users was incomplete. When pictograms were added to labels they were associated with a significant increase in the proportion of users nominating correct safety precautions for storing the pesticides, but not for mixing or applying them. Addition of pictograms to labels did not significantly alter subjects' perceptions of the danger of the pesticide to the user. Although pictograms did enhance the accessibility of safety information on the labels, some users found them to be confusing. Pictogram systems need to be improved further if they are to have a more complete effect on improving the effectiveness of warnings.

Labels with added pictograms were perceived by pesticide users as significantly easier to obtain information from than labels containing text only. However, the effect of pictograms in improving the effectiveness of the communication of safety information to users was incomplete. When pictograms were added to labels they were associated with a significant increase in the proportion of users nominating correct safety precautions for storing the pesticides, but not for mixing or applying them. Addition of pictograms to labels did not significantly alter subjects' perceptions of the danger of the pesticide to the user. Although pictograms did enhance the accessibility of safety information on the labels, some users found them to be confusing.

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