MDARD Michigan Core Pesticide Applicator Practice Exam

Which of the following statements about pesticide equipment cleanup is false?

1. Thoroughly rinse sprayers with a water detergent solution

2. Add lightweight oil before final flushing

3. Leftover pesticide residue in the spray tank is permitted

4. Keep sprayers clean to prevent cross-contamination

The correct answer is: Leftover pesticide residue in the spray tank is permitted

The statement that leftover pesticide residue in the spray tank is permitted is false. Proper pesticide equipment cleanup is essential to ensure that no harmful residues remain that could contaminate future applications or harm non-target organisms. Residual pesticides can also contribute to the development of resistance and negatively affect the environment. Thorough cleaning of the spray tank, lines, and nozzles helps to mitigate these risks and ensures that subsequent applications remain effective and safe. It's crucial to adhere to cleaning protocols, including thorough rinsing with appropriate solutions, adding certain products when necessary to enhance cleaning (like lightweight oil if specified), and maintaining clean equipment to prevent cross-contamination between different pesticide applications. These practices are vital for both safety and compliance with regulations in pesticide application.