What should be done with gloves before removing them after pesticide handling?

Wearing gloves during pesticide handling is crucial for protecting oneself from chemical exposure. Before removing the gloves, it is recommended to wash them with soap and water. This action helps to remove any pesticide residues that may have come into contact with the outer surface of the gloves. Washing the gloves ensures that you are minimizing the risk of contamination to your hands or other surfaces after glove removal.

In contrast, using hand sanitizer may not effectively remove all types of pesticide residues, as sanitizers are typically designed for microbial control rather than chemical decontamination. Allowing the gloves to air dry does not address the need to remove contaminants, and disposing of them immediately without washing means that any residual pesticides could still pose a risk when handling other materials or touching surfaces afterward. Therefore, washing the gloves with soap and water before removal is the best practice for safety and hygiene after handling pesticides.