Which washing steps are recommended for clothing contaminated with pesticides, and when should the clothing be discarded?

Which washing steps are recommended for clothing contaminated with pesticides, and when should the clothing be discarded?

• A. Shake clothing outside to remove dust and granules, prerinse clothing, wash separately from family clothing, wash with hot water and use heavy duty detergent, drain the wash water and do not use the water saving feature, check clothes for visible staining, unusual odor, or color differences, line dry the clothing to avoid contaminating the dryer. If clothing is saturated with pesticides you must discard it.
• B. Wash only in cold water, reuse wash water, dry in a dryer.
• C. Soak in bleach and air dry.
• D. Wash with normal cycle using regular detergent and reuse the water.

Answer: (A)

The main idea is to prevent exposure by properly decontaminating clothing that has pesticide residues and determining when disposal is necessary. Start by shaking the clothing outside to remove as much dust and granules as possible, then prerinse. Wash it separately from family clothing using hot water and a heavy‑duty detergent. After washing, drain the wash water and avoid using the water‑saving feature, so residues aren’t left in the system or household pipes. Check the garments for any visible staining, unusual odor, or color differences, which can indicate residues still present. Line dry the clothing rather than using a household dryer, to prevent contaminating the dryer and spreading residues. If the clothing is saturated with pesticides, it must be discarded. This approach reduces dermal exposure, prevents contaminating household laundry and appliances, and ensures contaminated water isn’t reintroduced into the home or environment. The other options don’t adequately remove residues or protect people and the home from contamination (for example, using cold water or reusing wash water can leave residues and spreading contamination).

The main idea is to prevent exposure by properly decontaminating clothing that has pesticide residues and determining when disposal is necessary. Start by shaking the clothing outside to remove as much dust and granules as possible, then prerinse. Wash it separately from family clothing using hot water and a heavy‑duty detergent. After washing, drain the wash water and avoid using the water‑saving feature, so residues aren’t left in the system or household pipes. Check the garments for any visible staining, unusual odor, or color differences, which can indicate residues still present. Line dry the clothing rather than using a household dryer, to prevent contaminating the dryer and spreading residues. If the clothing is saturated with pesticides, it must be discarded. This approach reduces dermal exposure, prevents contaminating household laundry and appliances, and ensures contaminated water isn’t reintroduced into the home or environment. The other options don’t adequately remove residues or protect people and the home from contamination (for example, using cold water or reusing wash water can leave residues and spreading contamination).