What is an essential practice to minimize dermal exposure when handling pesticides?

• A. Wear gloves
• B. Read the product label
• C. Store pesticides in a sealed container
• D. Work in direct sunlight

Answer: (A)

Wearing gloves provides the most direct protection between your skin and the pesticide, forming a barrier that reduces dermal contact and absorption during handling, mixing, loading, and cleanup. Use chemical-resistant gloves appropriate for the product, inspect them for damage, replace if torn, and remove them carefully and wash your hands after removal. Reading the product label is important for knowing PPE requirements and proper use, but it doesn’t itself minimize skin contact. Storing pesticides in a sealed container helps reduce spills, not the immediate dermal exposure during handling. Working in direct sunlight has no bearing on dermal exposure to pesticides.