What is an effective way to reduce the risk of pesticide exposure?

Wearing protective equipment is a highly effective way to reduce the risk of pesticide exposure during application. Protective gear such as gloves, masks, goggles, and protective clothing serves as a barrier between the pesticide and the skin or inhalation pathways, significantly minimizing the chance of adverse health effects from direct contact or inhalation of pesticide chemicals.

While using a smaller amount of pesticide may seem effective, it does not necessarily address potential exposure risks if the pesticide is still being handled or applied without proper precautions. Applying pesticides late in the evening may reduce the likelihood of drift or exposure to humans and non-target organisms, but it does not protect the applicator from exposure during the application process. Lastly, applying pesticides only indoors might limit exposure to outdoor environments, but it doesn't eliminate the risk of exposure to those in and around the indoor setting. Therefore, utilizing protective equipment is the most comprehensive and proactive approach to ensure safety during pesticide applications.