What should be done immediately after handling pesticides?

Washing hands thoroughly immediately after handling pesticides is crucial for maintaining safety and preventing exposure to harmful chemicals. Pesticides can adhere to skin and can be absorbed into the body, potentially leading to health risks. By washing hands with soap and water, you effectively remove any pesticide residues that may remain, reducing the likelihood of accidental ingestion or contamination of other surfaces.

Taking a nap, changing clothes, or eating a snack do not address the immediate risk posed by pesticide residues on the skin. While changing clothes may be necessary in some cases, it does not provide the immediate decontamination that washing hands does. Similarly, eating a snack or taking a nap without cleaning up first can lead to unintentional ingestion of harmful substances. Therefore, proper handwashing is the most effective and immediate action to take after handling pesticides.