What is the most common cause of pesticide poisoning for applicators?

Skin contact is recognized as the most common cause of pesticide poisoning for applicators because many pesticides are designed to penetrate through the skin. This route of exposure can occur when applicators handle pesticides without adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves or protective clothing. When the skin comes into direct contact with a pesticide, the chemicals can be absorbed into the bloodstream, leading to potential toxic effects.

In the context of pesticide application, skin absorption is particularly concerning because applicators often work in environments where they may handle concentrated chemicals directly. Additionally, being outdoors in various conditions may increase the risk of skin exposure. Proper training emphasizes the importance of using PPE to minimize this risk and educate applicators about safe handling procedures to prevent skin contact, reinforcing why it is the primary concern for pesticide poisoning among applicators. Other exposure routes, while serious, occur less frequently compared to skin contact.