How does personal protective equipment (PPE) influence pesticide hazards?

How does personal protective equipment (PPE) influence pesticide hazards?

• A. eliminates your exposure
• B. slows your exposure
• C. reduces your exposure
• D. increases your exposure

Answer: (C)

PPE acts as a barrier that reduces your exposure to pesticides. When you wear the right gear—gloves, goggles or a face shield, respirator if required, coveralls or a chemical-resistant suit, and proper footwear—it blocks or slows contact with skin and eyes and lowers the amount you inhale. Proper use, correct fit, and good maintenance of the equipment are essential for it to be effective, and it should be viewed as the last line of defense in the safety stack after good work practices and engineering controls. Even with PPE, some risk remains because gear can fail, be damaged, or be worn incorrectly, so decontamination and safe handling are still important.

PPE acts as a barrier that reduces your exposure to pesticides. When you wear the right gear—gloves, goggles or a face shield, respirator if required, coveralls or a chemical-resistant suit, and proper footwear—it blocks or slows contact with skin and eyes and lowers the amount you inhale. Proper use, correct fit, and good maintenance of the equipment are essential for it to be effective, and it should be viewed as the last line of defense in the safety stack after good work practices and engineering controls. Even with PPE, some risk remains because gear can fail, be damaged, or be worn incorrectly, so decontamination and safe handling are still important.