What is considered one of the most hazardous activities involving pesticides?

Mixing and loading concentrates is considered one of the most hazardous activities involving pesticides because this stage often involves handling highly concentrated chemicals that can be toxic if inhaled, absorbed through the skin, or ingested. At this point, the potential for exposure is significantly higher, as applicators are in direct contact with the substances, often without adequate protective equipment or in environments that may not be well-ventilated.

Taking into account the other activities, while applying pesticides at night may present visibility challenges, it does not inherently increase toxicity risks as does handling concentrated forms. Chemical disposal, though critical for environmental safety, generally occurs after the pesticide has been used and poses risks that are more associated with environmental contamination than immediate operator safety. Transporting diluted mixtures carries risks as well, but the hazards associated are typically less severe compared to handling high-concentration products. Therefore, mixing and loading concentrates stands out for the direct exposure risks it presents to applicators.