Illinois Pesticide Applicator Practice Test

What should you do if you spill highly concentrated toxic chemicals on your clothing?

1. Wash them immediately

2. Dispose of them and change into clean clothes

3. Hang them out to dry

4. Store them in a safe place

The correct answer is: Dispose of them and change into clean clothes

When dealing with highly concentrated toxic chemicals, immediate safety is the top priority. If such a spill occurs on your clothing, disposing of the contaminated items and changing into clean clothes is the most appropriate action to take. This prevents any further exposure to the chemicals, which can pose significant health risks through skin contact or accidental ingestion if the chemicals transfer to other surfaces or skin. Changing into clean clothing ensures that you eliminate the risk associated with the toxic chemical residue that may remain on the original garments. Disposing of them properly also ensures that others are not inadvertently exposed to the hazardous materials. In contrast, washing the contaminated items might not completely remove all traces of highly concentrated toxic chemicals, potentially leaving harmful residues. Hanging them out to dry or storing them could also increase the risk of exposure either to yourself or to others who might come into contact with the clothes. Therefore, proper disposal and changing into safe, clean clothes is the most effective and safest protocol following such an incident.