What is the primary purpose of personal protective equipment (PPE) during pesticide application?

The primary purpose of personal protective equipment (PPE) during pesticide application is to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals and protect the applicator's health. This equipment includes items such as gloves, masks, goggles, and protective clothing that serve as barriers between the pesticide and the skin, eyes, or respiratory system of the applicator.

Using PPE is crucial because pesticides can contain toxic substances that pose health risks, including acute effects and long-term health issues. Properly selected and utilized PPE minimizes the risk of accidental exposure during mixing, loading, and application processes. While comfort may be a consideration, the main focus of PPE is safety and protection. Meeting regulatory compliance is also important but is secondary to the protective function of the equipment. Enhancing the efficacy of pesticide treatment is not a role of PPE; its primary role is in health protection.