During pesticide handling, what is the primary goal of maintaining chemical safety?

The primary goal of maintaining chemical safety during pesticide handling is to minimize health and environmental risks. This involves implementing practices and protocols that safeguard human health, including the handler's and those nearby, as well as protecting the environment from potential harm caused by pesticide exposure. Ensuring that pesticides are applied, stored, and disposed of correctly is crucial to prevent contamination of soil, water sources, and non-target species.

While maximizing the effectiveness of pesticide applications, meeting regulatory requirements, and improving pesticide formulations are important aspects of pesticide usage, they are secondary to the paramount need to protect health and the environment. Focusing on safety ensures that the use of pesticides does not result in detrimental effects on individuals or ecological systems. This approach emphasizes a responsible and sustainable way of managing pest control while prioritizing human and environmental welfare.