For eye exposure to pesticides, which step is recommended?

• A. Rinse for 15 minutes or more with eyewash if available
• B. Wipe with a cloth
• C. Flush with hot water
• D. Use contact lens solution

Answer: (A)

When pesticides contact the eye, the top priority is thorough irrigation to remove the chemical from the eye surface. Rinsing for at least 15 minutes with eyewash provides a continuous, safe flow that dilutes and washes away the pesticide from all areas of the eye, reducing contact time and the risk of irritation or injury. Wiping with a cloth won’t effectively remove the chemical and can spread it or abrade the eye. Flushing with hot water can worsen damage by causing thermal injury, and using contact lens solution isn’t appropriate for emergency eye irrigation because it isn’t designed for this purpose and may introduce irritants. If eyewash isn’t available, use clean running water for the same duration, and seek medical attention if irritation, pain, or vision changes persist.