When using pesticides and other garden chemicals, you should always wear personal protective equipment (PPE) to keep yourself safe. Pesticides can enter the body via the eyes, skin, nose, or mouth. The skin is the most common way pesticides enter our bodies, usually by splashing, spillage, or spray drift onto unprotected skin. PPE covers and protects these areas from chemical exposure. This prevents both acute (immediate) or chronic (long-term) toxicity.
Some pesticide product labels will specify what PPE is required to safely use the product, but others may not. Even if a product doesn’t specify you are required to wear PPE, it is always recommended for home and garden pesticides. Note that organic or natural pesticides can still be toxic so are not exempt from PPE requirements and recommendations.
Before using a pesticide
Read the pesticide label to find out what PPE you need before you handle, mix, or apply the pesticide. If possible, purchase PPE at the same time you purchase the pesticide so you have it when you are ready to use the product. Follow the PPE information on the pesticide label. If no PPE is listed, protective gear should include:
- Chemical resistant gloves
- Eye protection
- Face mask/respirator
- Long-sleeve shirt
- Long pants
- Closed-toe shoes and socks
Gloves: Chemical resistant gloves are made of thick nitrile, butyl rubber, or neoprene. Disposable gloves are often very thin, allowing pesticides to contact the skin after a short period of time. Gloves 14 mils or thicker are recommended as they offer better skin protection. Never use lined gloves or those made of fabric. Gloves made of cotton, leather, or canvas are not chemical-resistant and will absorb chemicals, resulting in prolonged contact with your skin.
Eye protection: Most home-use pesticide labels do not specify what kind of eyewear is required. If not specified, wear either safety glasses that provide front, side, and brow protection, a face shield, or goggles. All types of protective eyewear must be labeled “Z87.1” or “Z87+” to indicate that it meets national protection standards.
Face masks/respirators: Most home use pesticides do not require a complicated fit-tested respirator, but you can use a NIOSH approved mask to reduce inhaling any pesticide dust, or particles. Appropriate masks will be rated with a code that includes either N, R, or P paired with a number that indicates filter efficiency.
- N- Not resistant to oil
- R- Somewhat resistant to oil
- P- Strongly resistant to oil
N95 is a very common and versatile mask. It is not resistant to oil and filters 95% of airborne particles. Lightweight painter's masks or those made of fabric such as cotton, may not provide adequate protection.
Closed-toe shotes: Unlined rubber boots are preferable to reduce exposure. These shoes can also be easily washed off and cleaned of any pesticide residue. Shoes made of canvas, cloth, or leather can absorb pesticides and cannot be easily cleaned. Never apply pesticides in open-toe shoes or barefoot.
After using a pesticide
If you are wearing gloves, wash them before removing any other PPE to avoid contamination. Once all PPE is removed, remove gloves and wash your hands. Gloves should be the last item you remove after applying a pesticide.
Take a shower as soon as possible. Put contaminated clothing in a closed plastic bag outside or immediately wash clothes separately from other laundry. Use gloved hands to touch contaminated clothing. Avoid touching others (i.e., holding children, hugging) if wearing contaminated clothing and change out of contaminated shoes before entering homes or other buildings.
Remember to carefully read and follow instructions and PPE requirements stated on all pesticide labels. For more information about pesticides safety, see these resources: