Which statement about washing work clothes soaked with a pesticide concentrate is true?

• A. Do not attempt to wash it - dispose it immediately
• B. Wash with hot water and detergent
• C. Rinse with cold water only
• D. Dry cleaning is sufficient

Answer: (A)

When work clothes are soaked with a pesticide concentrate, the main goal is to prevent exposure and spread of residues. The safest course is not to try washing them at all. Dispose of the contaminated clothing rather than laundering it, because concentrated pesticides can cling to fabric and may not be removable by normal cleaning. Washing could contaminate the washing machine, other laundry, and the water supply, creating more exposure risk.

After removing the contaminated garment, you should handle skin exposures first with soap and water, and follow local regulations for disposing of the clothing as hazardous waste. The other options fall short: washing with hot water and detergent can still spread residues and may not fully remove them; rinsing with cold water alone leaves contaminants behind; and dry cleaning isn’t guaranteed to remove all pesticide residues from work clothes.