Most herbicides can cause eye irritation. Iowa State University Extension recommends protective eye covering be used whenever handling, mixing, or applying herbicides.

Protective clothing, such as boots, gloves, and a respirator, should be used. Though herbicides are safe when used in accordance with the label, these precautions should be taken to avoid exposure. Some herbicides are listed by the "Danger: Poison" signal words, while others are given the "Caution" designation.

It is important to use the same precautions for all herbicide products to ensure that mixers, loaders, and applicators are protected when handling toxic products. These common herbicides require eye protection.

"Danger: Corrosive or can cause irreversible eye damage," is on the following herbicide labels. The labels recommend goggles or face shields to prevent eye injury. "Danger: Poison" with a skull and crossbones symbol refers to oral, dermal, or inhalation toxicity.

Aquathol K     Assure II    Atrazine DF     Balan E.C.    Blazer         Bronco   
Butyrac 200    Cobra        Commence        Devrinol      Formula 40     2,4-D amines
Galaxy         Hoelon       Hydrothol       Laddok        Landmaster     Lasso 4E          
MCPA amines    Passport     Pramitol        Ramrod +      Ranger         Scepter OT 
Squadron       Storm        Sutazine +      Tackle        Velpar L       Weedar 64

"Warning: Can cause substantial, but temporary eye damage", is on the labels of these herbicides. Goggles or face shields are generally recommended, especially when handling concentrates.

Alanap-L       Atrazine     Bladex      Command       Cropstar    Dual 8E    Extrazine II   
Freedom        Gemini       Hyvar XL    Karmex DF     Krenite S   Lariat     Lasso II    
Lorox Plus     Option       Passport    Poast         Pondmaster  Prowl      Ramrod  
Ramrod +       Reflex       Roundup     Scepter 70DG  Select      Sonalan    Tornado
Treflan E.C.   Tri-Scept

Most of these labels specify under the statement of practical treatment: if in eyes, flush with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes. Get medical attention or call a physician.

As previously indicated, ISU Extension recommends the use of protective equipment, including eye covering, whenever handling, mixing, loading, or applying herbicides, regardless of the cautionary statements on the labels. It is important to refer to the herbicide label whenever using a product. Know what the proper handling and storage procedures are, and follow these instructions.