Pesticide Safety & Handling Flashcards

Which route of pesticide exposure is most commonly responsible for occupational poisonings?

Answer: Dermal absorption through the skin

Dermal (skin) absorption accounts for the majority of pesticide exposures in agricultural workers due to constant skin contact.

A pesticide with a high vapor pressure is most likely to present what type of hazard?

Answer: Elevated inhalation risk due to volatilization

High vapor pressure means the pesticide readily evaporates, increasing the concentration of toxic vapors in the air.

When should an applicator wash hands after handling pesticides?

Answer: Before eating, drinking, smoking, or using the restroom, and after work

Hands should be washed before any activity that could transfer pesticide residues to the mouth or face, and always after work.

What is the purpose of the Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom) Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for pesticides?

Answer: To provide detailed health, safety, and emergency response information

The SDS provides comprehensive health hazard, first aid, firefighting, and spill response information for handlers and emergency responders.

Organophosphate and carbamate pesticides cause toxicity primarily by:

Answer: Inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, causing nerve signal accumulation

Both organophosphates and carbamates inhibit acetylcholinesterase, preventing the breakdown of acetylcholine and causing overstimulation of nerves.

A pesticide label reads 'Do not apply when wind speeds exceed 10 mph.' This restriction primarily prevents:

Answer: Pesticide drift onto non-target areas

Wind speed restrictions are set to prevent spray drift, which can expose non-target people, plants, and water bodies.

Which statement about pesticide storage is CORRECT?

Answer: Pesticides should be stored in their original containers with labels intact

Federal law requires pesticides to be kept in their original, labeled containers to prevent misuse and ensure proper identification.