What is the best way to minimize exposure to pesticides during mixing and loading?

Minimizing exposure to pesticides during mixing and loading is crucial for ensuring safety and health. Using suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) is the most effective way to achieve this. PPE is designed specifically to create a barrier between the pesticide and the applicator's body. This includes items like gloves, goggles, respirators, and protective clothing, which help prevent skin contact, eye exposure, and inhalation of pesticide fumes or particles. By using appropriate PPE, an applicator can significantly reduce the risk of chemical exposure.

Ventilation, while helpful, may not provide the same level of protection as properly fitted and selected PPE, as it does not directly protect the body from contact with pesticides. Cotton clothing does not offer enough protection against pesticides since it can absorb chemicals and may not be impermeable. Working during high temperatures can create discomfort and potentially increase the risk of heat stress, but it does not directly address the core issue of pesticide exposure. Hence, focusing on the use of suitable PPE is the best and most effective means of minimizing exposure.