Oklahoma Service Technician Practice Exam

If you have been exposed to a pesticide on your skin, what should you do first?

1. Wait for a doctor to arrive

2. Flush the area with water

3. Apply a cream

4. Cover the area with a bandage

The correct answer is: Flush the area with water

Flushing the area with water immediately after pesticide exposure is essential to remove any harmful substances from the skin. This action helps dilute the pesticide and minimizes its potential absorption into the body, reducing the risk of serious health effects. Water acts as a solvent that can wash away residues, decreasing irritation and preventing further skin damage. It's important to act quickly in these situations. Waiting for a doctor or attempting to apply creams or cover the area with a bandage may delay the necessary treatment. The priority should always be to remove the source of exposure first, and flushing with a substantial amount of clean water is the best initial response to decrease the harmful effects of the pesticide on the skin.