How should you respond to a pesticide spill on the ground?

• A. Ignore and continue work
• B. Call a neighbor
• C. Contain, absorb with inert material, ventilate if indoors, follow label cleanup instructions, and conduct proper disposal; report if needed
• D. Flush with water quickly to drain

Answer: (C)

Responding to pesticide spills focuses on preventing exposure and environmental contamination through containment and following the product’s cleanup instructions. The best approach is to contain the spill to stop it from spreading, absorb the liquid with an inert material like absorbent clay, kitty litter, or sand, and then sweep up the contaminated material. If the spill is indoors, ventilate the area to reduce vapors. Always follow the label’s cleanup instructions and dispose of the absorbed material and any cleanup waste according to label directions and local regulations. If the label or local rules require it, report the spill to the appropriate authority.

Why the other options don’t fit: ignoring the spill allows continued exposure and spreading of the chemical; calling a neighbor doesn’t ensure proper containment or disposal; flushing with water can spread the pesticide and contaminate drains, water sources, or the environment, which is typically unsafe and against label directions.