What type of protective clothing is recommended when handling pesticides?

• A. Head covering, goggles, coveralls, nitrile or neoprene gloves, and rubber boots.
• B. A lab coat and safety glasses only.
• C. A single pair of cotton gloves with sandals.
• D. No protective clothing is required.

Answer: (A)

Protective clothing is essential to prevent skin and eye contact with pesticides. The best choice includes a head covering to protect the scalp, goggles to shield the eyes from splashes, a coverall or long-sleeved, full-length outfit to keep skin covered, chemical-resistant gloves such as nitrile or neoprene for the hands, and rubber boots to protect the feet and prevent contamination from soil or spills. This combination creates a barrier against absorption and irritation, and it aligns with typical pesticide label requirements for handler safety.

Other options leave gaps in protection: a lab coat and safety glasses don't guard the arms, legs, or feet; a single pair of cotton gloves with sandals offers minimal chemical resistance and exposes skin; and no protective clothing at all is unsafe and not acceptable. Always check the product label for the specific PPE required and follow proper donning and doffing procedures to ensure safety.