When is it necessary to wear elbow-length, chemical-resistant gloves?

Wearing elbow-length, chemical-resistant gloves is necessary when handling any pesticide except certain fumigants due to several factors regarding exposure and protective measures. Pesticides can vary widely in their toxicity and the potential for skin absorption, which makes it critical to employ appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) during their use.

Certain fumigants often involve gases that are not in direct contact with the skin, and other safety gear, such as respirators and goggles, might be prioritized instead of gloves. However, when dealing with liquid formulations of pesticides, gloves provide essential protection against skin contact, which can lead to absorption of harmful chemicals. This is particularly important when mixing or applying liquid pesticides, where the risk of splatter or spill is heightened.

Typically, standard gloves may not provide adequate protection against the more concentrated chemicals found in these products. Therefore, using elbow-length gloves ensures a higher level of skin coverage and reduces the risk of dermal exposure. In contrast, the other choices imply less stringent practices that do not adequately safeguard the applicator's health.