Which is the proper cleanup procedure for a pesticide spill?

• A. Burn the spill.
• B. Pour the chemical into a drain.
• C. Wash the spill with water and dispose.
• D. Sweep up the absorbed chemical and place it in a steel or fiber drum lined with a heavyduty plastic bag.

Answer: (D)

Handling a pesticide spill safely hinges on containing the material and removing it for proper disposal. The best approach is to use an absorbent to soak up the spill, then sweep up the absorbed material and place it in a steel or fiber drum lined with a heavy-duty plastic bag. This keeps the pesticide contained, prevents exposure, and ensures the waste is handled and disposed of according to regulations. It also allows the area to be decontaminated after the material is removed.

Why other options don’t fit: burning the spill can release dangerous fumes and is usually prohibited; pouring the chemical down a drain risks contaminating water supplies; washing the spill with water can spread residues and creates contaminated wash-water that must be treated.