What increases the chances of pesticide exposure for handlers?

The choice highlighting the failure to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) directly correlates with an increased risk of pesticide exposure for handlers. PPE is designed to act as a barrier between the handler and the potential hazards associated with pesticide applications, including skin contact, inhalation, and unintentional ingestion of toxic substances. When handlers do not use appropriate gloves, masks, goggles, and protective clothing, they significantly increase their vulnerability to harmful chemicals they are working with.

While neglecting to read safety manuals is detrimental to understanding safe practices, and working alone may lead to other risks, the absence of proper PPE is a direct and immediate factor that increases the chances of exposure. Using expired pesticides can also pose dangers, but it is not as directly linked to the exposure risks during handling as the lack of PPE.

Overall, the critical focus on wearing the appropriate protective gear underscores the fundamental aspect of safety in aerial application tasks, emphasizing that personal safety measures play a vital role in risk mitigation.