The route most commonly associated with pesticide poisoning to the applicator is

The route most commonly associated with pesticide poisoning to the applicator is

• A. Inhalation
• B. Dermal exposure
• C. Oral exposure
• D. Eye contact

Answer: (B)

Exposure through the skin is the most likely route for pesticide poisoning in applicators because they have repeated direct contact with concentrated products during mixing, loading, application, and cleanup. The skin covers the body and can absorb many pesticides, especially with prolonged contact or when solvents are involved that increase absorption. Eye contact and inhalation can occur, but they tend to be less frequent routes in typical field work, and oral exposure usually results from hand-to-mouth transfer rather than direct ingestion from the product. So, dermal exposure is the primary route to consider. To reduce this risk, wear chemical-resistant gloves, long sleeves, coveralls, and eye/face protection; wash exposed skin promptly, remove contaminated clothing, and follow proper decontamination after handling pesticides.

Exposure through the skin is the most likely route for pesticide poisoning in applicators because they have repeated direct contact with concentrated products during mixing, loading, application, and cleanup. The skin covers the body and can absorb many pesticides, especially with prolonged contact or when solvents are involved that increase absorption. Eye contact and inhalation can occur, but they tend to be less frequent routes in typical field work, and oral exposure usually results from hand-to-mouth transfer rather than direct ingestion from the product. So, dermal exposure is the primary route to consider. To reduce this risk, wear chemical-resistant gloves, long sleeves, coveralls, and eye/face protection; wash exposed skin promptly, remove contaminated clothing, and follow proper decontamination after handling pesticides.