Why is wearing personal protective equipment critical for pesticide handlers?

Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) is critical for pesticide handlers primarily because it minimizes the risk of pesticide exposure. Pesticides can be toxic substances that pose serious health risks if they come into contact with the skin, eyes, or respiratory system. By using appropriate PPE, such as gloves, masks, goggles, and protective clothing, handlers can create a barrier that significantly reduces the likelihood of harmful exposure. This protective measure is essential not only for the safety of the individual applying pesticides but also for the surrounding environment and community.

While wearing PPE may also enhance comfort and be a requirement of management or regulatory frameworks, the foremost purpose of PPE is to ensure the handler’s safety by directly addressing exposure risks associated with pesticide application.