What is the most common cause of pesticide poisoning for applicators?

Skin contact is recognized as the most common cause of pesticide poisoning among applicators because it is often an unintentional exposure route. Applicators frequently handle pesticides directly, and the chemicals can easily enter the body through the skin if appropriate precautions are not taken, such as wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves and long-sleeved clothing.

These skin exposures can occur during mixing, loading, or applying pesticides, especially if applicators are not diligent about following safety guidelines. While inhalation is certainly a significant concern, particularly with airborne pesticides, skin contact remains the prevalent method of exposure, highlighting the importance of proper training and adherence to safety protocols. Additionally, food contamination and improper storage are related to pesticide safety, but they contribute to poisoning risks in different contexts rather than being immediate causes for applicators during active use.