Which step is recommended when clothing is contaminated by pesticide?

• A. Continue wearing contaminated clothing to avoid exposure.
• B. Remove contaminated clothing and wash skin thoroughly with soap and cold water.
• C. Wash clothing only with hot water.
• D. Burn contaminated clothes.

Answer: (B)

When pesticide contamination touches skin, the priority is to remove the source of exposure and clean the skin right away. Taking off any clothing that has pesticide on it stops ongoing contact, then washing the skin thoroughly with soap and running water helps dissolve and remove the chemical from the skin, reducing absorption. Cold water is acceptable here and the key is a thorough wash rather than scrubbing, followed by drying and monitoring for symptoms. Do not keep wearing contaminated clothes—this would keep exposure occurring. Washing the clothes alone or using only hot water won’t rid the skin of the pesticide, and burning the clothing creates fire and emission hazards.