What poses the greatest risk to exposure when handling pesticides?

Mixing pesticides poses the greatest risk to exposure because this process often involves direct handling of concentrated products, which can contain highly potent chemicals. During mixing, technicians may inadvertently inhale vapors, come into skin contact with the chemicals, or otherwise be exposed to splashes or spills if proper precautions aren't taken.

It's essential to use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) during mixing to minimize the risk of exposure. This includes gloves, goggles, and respiratory protection, depending on the pesticide formulation and the specific hazards associated with it. Additionally, the mixing process may involve working in less ventilated areas, increasing the likelihood of inhaling harmful substances.

While storing, disposing, and transporting pesticides also come with their own risks, they typically do not involve the same level of direct contact or potential for inhalation as the mixing process does. Storing focuses on proper containment to prevent leaks and spills, disposing involves following regulations to safely dispose of unwanted materials, and transporting requires secure methods to prevent accidents, each having mitigated exposure risks through methods and protocols designed to keep interactions with the substances at a minimum.