What is the primary purpose of wearing PPE while handling pesticides?

Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) while handling pesticides is primarily about minimizing the risk of exposure to harmful chemicals. Pesticides can pose significant health hazards if they come into contact with the skin or are inhaled. The proper use of PPE—such as gloves, masks, goggles, and protective clothing—creates a barrier between the pesticide and the handler, effectively reducing the potential for harmful exposure.

While compliance with legal standards is important and may guide the use of PPE, the heart of the matter lies in ensuring the safety and health of the individual handling the pesticides. Enhancing comfort levels and presenting a professional appearance are secondary considerations that do not align with the primary objective of using PPE, which is to safeguard health during pesticide application or handling activities. Thus, the main reason for its use centers around health protection.