Use __________ to clean your equipment after a pesticide spill.

• A. a 30% mixture of household bleach and alkaline detergent
• B. gasoline or kerosene
• C. a dusting of slaked lime
• D. household bleach in water or an alkaline detergent

Answer: (D)

After a pesticide spill, you want a cleaning method that effectively removes residues without being hazardous to people or equipment. A household bleach solution in water or an alkaline detergent provides that balance: the detergent helps lift and wash away residues, and the diluted bleach can help neutralize or break down many pesticide residues, making cleanup more thorough. Flammable solvents like gasoline or kerosene should be avoided because they can spread contamination and pose fire hazards. A dusting of slaked lime isn’t a cleaning method for equipment and can create dust and chemical handling issues. So, using a diluted bleach solution in water or an alkaline detergent is the appropriate approach, followed by thorough rinsing and proper disposal.