Why should cotton or leather gloves be avoided when handling highly toxic pesticides?

When handling highly toxic pesticides, it is crucial to avoid materials like cotton or leather gloves because these fabrics can absorb pesticides. The porous nature of cotton allows chemicals to penetrate into the fibers, creating a risk of prolonged skin exposure to toxic substances. Leather, being somewhat porous as well, can also soak up chemicals, leading to similar concerns. This absorption not only increases the amount of pesticide that can come into contact with the skin but also makes it difficult to remove the pesticide effectively from the gloves, potentially leading to contamination of the handler or the surrounding environment.

Using gloves made from materials that do not absorb chemicals, such as nitrile or rubber, is advisable. These materials provide a barrier against pesticides, offering better protection for the skin and minimizing the risk of toxic exposure.