What is a critical safety procedure to follow when handling pesticides?

Using protective clothing when the label requires it is essential for safety when handling pesticides. Pesticides can contain harmful chemicals that may pose health risks upon skin contact or through inhalation. Labels serve as critical guidelines for ensuring safe handling, and adhering to these recommendations helps mitigate potential exposure risks.

Protective clothing, such as gloves, goggles, and masks, provides a barrier between the pesticide and the person applying it, thus reducing the likelihood of absorption or inhalation of harmful substances. This practice not only safeguards the applicator’s health but also contributes to environmental safety by minimizing the risk of unintentional spills or contamination.

The other options present unsafe practices. Wearing regular clothing may not provide adequate protection against potential pesticide exposure, ignoring safety warnings completely disregards the risks associated with pesticide handling, and handling containers roughly could lead to accidents, such as spills or breakage, compromising safety further. Therefore, following proper safety protocols, including the use of protective clothing, is critical in ensuring both personal safety and responsible pesticide use.