When are you most likely to be exposed to harmful amounts of pesticides?

Mixing and loading pesticides presents the highest risk for exposure because it involves direct contact with the chemical in its concentrated form. At this stage, the individual is handling the product before it is diluted and applied, which means they are more likely to come into contact with harmful substances if proper safety protocols are not followed. This step often involves pouring, measuring, and preparing the pesticides for application, activities that can easily lead to spills or splashes.

While the other options, such as application, post-application, and during inspections, also present risks, they generally involve lower concentrations or less direct exposure to chemicals than during the mixing and loading phase. Understanding this risk emphasizes the importance of comprehensive safety training and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling pesticides, especially during the mixing and loading process.