After dermal exposure to a pesticide, what is the first objective?

• A. Rinse the pesticide off to prevent absorption
• B. Wash with soap and water for 30 minutes
• C. Apply lotion to soothe skin
• D. Seek medical attention immediately

Answer: (A)

When pesticide contacts skin, the first priority is to remove it so it can’t be absorbed into the body. Rinsing the skin with plenty of clean water right away pulls the chemical off the surface and limits how much can penetrate the skin, reducing the chance of systemic toxicity. The speed of this action matters—the quicker the skin is rinsed, the less absorption occurs. After the initial rinse, washing with soap and water helps remove remaining residue, and removing contaminated clothing is part of the decontamination process. Seeking medical attention is important if symptoms appear or exposure was significant, but it does not replace the need for immediate decontamination. Applying lotion won’t remove the pesticide and can leave residues behind.