Under federal law, which of the following actions is unlawful and subject to civil or criminal penalties?

Detaching, altering, defacing, or destroying any part of a container or labeling is unlawful under federal law because it poses significant risks to safety and environmental integrity. Proper labeling is crucial for ensuring that pesticides are used safely and effectively. Labels provide essential information regarding the use, storage, and disposal of the product, including safety precautions and first-aid instructions. Altering or damaging this information can lead to misuse of the pesticide, which may result in harm to human health, non-target organisms, or the environment.

Maintaining the integrity of pesticide containers and labels is not only a legal requirement but also a critical aspect of safe pesticide management. Consequently, violations of this nature can attract severe civil or criminal penalties, as they undermine regulatory efforts designed to protect public health and safeguard environmental quality.

In contrast, while the other options concern important practices related to pesticide use and training, they do not carry the same level of legal severity in comparison to the unlawful actions associated with container and label integrity.