Oregon Pesticide Practice Test

Which of the following actions is advised to minimize pesticide exposure?

1. Wearing standard clothing

2. Using gloves and protective eyewear

3. Applying on windy days

4. Using open containers for mixing

The correct answer is: Using gloves and protective eyewear

Using gloves and protective eyewear is the recommended action to minimize pesticide exposure because these specific forms of personal protective equipment (PPE) provide a barrier between the pesticide and the skin, as well as the eyes. This is crucial since pesticides can be absorbed through the skin or enter the eyes, potentially causing harmful effects. Proper PPE is designed to withstand the chemicals found in pesticides, significantly reducing the risk of exposure during handling, mixing, or application. In contrast, wearing standard clothing does not provide adequate protection, as everyday fabrics may not block pesticide exposure effectively. Applying pesticides on windy days increases the risk of drift, potentially exposing the applicator and bystanders to harmful chemicals. Using open containers for mixing can lead to spills and vapor release, creating additional safety hazards. Therefore, the recommendation to use gloves and protective eyewear stands as the most effective way to enhance safety when working with pesticides.