MDARD Michigan Core Pesticide Applicator Practice Exam

When should work clothes used for applying pesticides be laundered?

1. After each day's use

2. After they get wet with spray

3. When they have a strong odor with the pesticide

4. Every two weeks regardless of use

The correct answer is: After each day's use

Work clothes used for applying pesticides should be laundered after each day's use to ensure safety and minimize exposure to any pesticide residues that may remain on the fabric. Pesticides can persist on clothing and transfer to the skin, increasing the risk of pesticide exposure. By washing these clothes daily, you help eliminate any pesticides that may have been absorbed during application, reducing health risks for both the applicator and others in contact with the clothes. While options that mention laundering after they get wet with spray or due to a strong odor might seem reasonable, they do not account for the potential risk of exposure from residues remaining on clothes after just one day's use. The suggestion of laundering every two weeks does not provide a sufficient frequency to ensure safety, especially considering daily exposure that may occur during pesticide application. Thus, laundering work clothes after each day's use is the most effective practice for maintaining safety.