Which body parts receive the most exposure to pesticides during handling?

The hands and forearms receive the most exposure to pesticides during handling primarily due to the nature of how pesticides are applied and managed. When an exterminator or applicator prepares or uses pesticide products, the hands are often the first point of contact, whether it's during the mixing, loading, or application processes.

Additionally, as hands are used to hold and manipulate equipment, they may come into contact with surfaces that have pesticide residues. This can occur when using sprayers, traps, or while handling containers that have been in contact with pesticide products. Moreover, the forearms can also receive exposure, especially if protective gear is not worn or if an applicator accidentally brushes against treated surfaces or their own body after handling pesticides.

In contrast, other body parts listed, such as the feet, ankles, back, shoulders, face, and neck, while they may also receive some exposure, generally do not encounter pesticides as frequently or directly during the handling process. For example, feet and ankles primarily come into contact with treated ground surfaces but are less involved in the direct application of the product. The back and shoulders may be exposed during applications, but again, this exposure is secondary compared to the more direct interactions that hands and forearms experience. The face and neck