What should an applicator do with clothing that has been heavily contaminated by pesticides?

When clothing has been heavily contaminated by pesticides, it is critical to prioritize safety and environmental responsibility. Disposing of such clothing as hazardous household waste is the most appropriate action because heavily contaminated items can pose health risks to individuals and potentially lead to environmental contamination if not handled properly.

Pesticides can remain harmful even after washing, especially after significant exposure. Standard washing might not sufficiently remove residual chemicals, leaving a risk to the wearer and others who come into contact with the clothing. By disposing of the contaminated clothing according to hazardous waste guidelines, one ensures that it is handled in a manner that mitigates risk and complies with safety regulations.

This choice emphasizes the importance of proper disposal methods to prevent re-exposure to the hazardous materials contained in the clothing. Other actions, such as washing or airing out the clothing, do not adequately address the potential dangers posed by the residual chemicals. Keeping the clothing for future use would also be unsafe, as it could unknowingly expose someone to hazardous remnants of pesticide. Thus, proper disposal is the safest and most responsible choice.