Which item is NOT required as part of the minimum protective clothing for pesticide applicators?

• A. Leather or canvas shoes
• B. Long sleeved shirt
• C. Long pants
• D. Close-toed shoes

Answer: (A)

Pesticide protective clothing is about preventing skin contact and chemical absorption. The minimum protection usually includes clothing that covers the arms and legs and footwear that fully protects the feet with a closed toe. Leather or canvas shoes aren’t considered suitable for the minimum protection because they’re porous and can absorb pesticides, offering less reliable protection than closed-toed, non-porous footwear. In contrast, a long-sleeved shirt and long pants protect large areas of skin, and closed-toed shoes protect the feet from splashes or spills. So, the item not required as part of the minimum protective clothing is leather or canvas shoes.