Texas Pesticide Applicator Practice Exam

Why should you not use cotton or leather gloves when handling highly toxic pesticides?

1. They are not durable enough

2. They can absorb pesticides and hold them close to the skin

3. They are too expensive

4. They can be easily damaged

The correct answer is: They can absorb pesticides and hold them close to the skin

Using cotton or leather gloves when handling highly toxic pesticides is discouraged because these materials can absorb chemicals and retain them, which increases the risk of skin exposure. When pesticides are absorbed into porous materials like cotton or leather, they can linger on the surface of the gloves and eventually leach back into contact with the skin during handling, posing significant health risks. In contrast, gloves specifically designed for pesticide application are typically made from materials such as nitrile or rubber, which are impermeable and provide a barrier that prevents the transmission of harmful chemicals. This aspect is critical for ensuring the safety of the applicator when working with hazardous substances.