Which statement about personal protective equipment for pesticide handling is correct?

• A. PPE is optional if you wear closed-toed shoes.
• B. PPE includes gloves, eye protection, long sleeves/pants, and shoes; a respirator may be required by the product label.
• C. PPE consists only of a hat and sunglasses.
• D. PPE is never required.

Answer: (B)

Pesticide handling requires wearing the protective gear that the product label says you must use. The statement that PPE includes gloves, eye protection, long sleeves or pants, and suitable shoes, with a respirator possibility if the label requires it, is the correct one because these items directly defend against the main routes of pesticide exposure—skin contact, eye injury, and inhalation. Pesticides can irritate or burn skin, harm eyes, and drift as a mist or vapor you could breathe in, so following the label’s PPE requirements is essential for safety.

Wearing only closed-toed shoes doesn’t protect skin or eyes or address inhalation exposure. A hat and sunglasses offer far less protection than required PPE for most pesticides and won’t meet label requirements for protection. PPE requirements aren’t optional; they’re dictated by the product to match its hazards and how you’ll be handling it.