Which item is listed as personal protective equipment for handling pesticides?

• A. Headgear
• B. Footwear
• C. Respiratory protection
• D. Apron

Answer: (A)

Protecting the respiratory system is essential when handling pesticides because many products can release vapors or form aerosols that are inhaled during mixing, loading, or application. Respiratory protection directly reduces the amount of pesticide that can enter the lungs, helping prevent short-term irritation and long-term harm. A properly chosen respirator (and filters or cartridges appropriate to the pesticide) is the key gear for this hazard.

Headgear, while it may protect the head from sun or splashes in some contexts, does not address inhalation risks. Footwear and an apron protect skin or clothes from splashes but do not prevent inhalation exposure, so they do not tackle the primary hazard posed by many pesticides.