What is the proper way to clean pesticide-contaminated PPE?

The proper cleaning technique for pesticide-contaminated personal protective equipment (PPE) is to wash the outside of chemical-resistant clothing first. This method removes the bulk of the pesticide residues that may have accumulated on the exterior of the garments during handling and application. By starting with the outside, you minimize the risk of contaminating the interior surfaces and ensure that any potential exposure to chemicals is handled effectively.

Washing the outer surface first is particularly important because it prevents cross-contamination when the clothing is turned or when the residues are agitated during washing. Following up with a thorough wash of the inner surfaces ensures that any remaining contamination is adequately removed.

Other choices reflect practices that would either compromise safety or do not effectively address contamination. For instance, storing contaminated PPE with food items poses a serious health risk, as it could lead to food contamination with harmful chemicals. Washing clothing and PPE inside out does not prioritize the removal of surface residues and is therefore less effective. Similarly, using fabric softener could adversely affect the chemical resistance of certain PPE materials, reducing their protective capabilities.