Which practice is NOT recommended when washing work clothes or coveralls worn during pesticide applications?

• A. Use heavy-duty detergent
• B. Wash in cold water
• C. Wash work clothes separately from family laundry
• D. Wash work clothes together with family laundry

Answer: (D)

Preventing spread of pesticide residues through laundry is the main idea here. Work clothes and coveralls worn during applications can pick up pesticide particles that cling to fabric fibers. If those garments are washed with family laundry, residues can transfer to other clothes, the washing machine, and household surfaces, potentially exposing family members. Because of that contamination risk, washing work clothes separately from family laundry is the recommended practice. Using a strong detergent helps lift and remove residues from the fibers, and washing at an appropriate temperature improves cleaning effectiveness. Washing work clothes together with family laundry is not advised because it creates a route for residues to spread into the home.