What is the main cause of pesticide illness?

• A. Skin, eye, or lung contamination from pesticide exposure.
• B. Ingestion of contaminated water.
• C. Hearing loss from spraying equipment.
• D. Sunburn from exposure to sunlight while applying pesticides.

Answer: (A)

Pesticide illness mainly comes from exposure that contaminates the body through skin, eyes, or lungs. When a pesticide contacts the skin or splashes into the eyes, or when vapors and aerosols are inhaled during mixing, loading, or spraying, the chemical can be absorbed and cause illness. This makes dermal and inhalation exposure the primary routes of concern and the main reason safety practices emphasize wearing gloves, goggles or a face shield, and a proper respirator, along with good hygiene and decontamination after handling. Ingestion of contaminated water can cause illness too, but it is not the typical primary route in routine application work. Hearing loss from spraying equipment and sun exposure aren’t common mechanisms for pesticide illness. So the best answer points to contamination through skin, eyes, or lungs as the main cause.