Reduce Your Exposure to Pesticides – Wear Gloves

Pesticide product labels will list the minimum PPE that must be worn. Your work clothes are considered the base layer of PPE and include a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and shoes plus socks. The PPE requirements for a pesticide product are based on the acute toxicological studies conducted by the manufacturer and submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as part of the pesticide registration process. Besides the base layer of PPE, many labels also require the use of gloves. The type of glove that may be required can vary from product to product.  

Research on pesticide exposure while mixing, loading, and applying has been conducted to provide recommendations to applicators. Simulated mixing, loading, and applications using different pesticide formulations were performed by a group of individuals who were wearing PPE and another group who were not wearing PPE. A fluorescent material was used in place of the pesticide, so their exposure while performing these tasks could be detected with an ultraviolet light (black light). The research results showed that most of an individual's exposure was dermal, with 85% of the total exposure on their hands and 13% on their forearms while mixing pesticides. The data also showed that by wearing protective gloves an individual’s overall pesticide exposure could be reduced by 99%! The key recommendation from this research is that by always wearing gloves, you will significantly reduce your dermal and overall pesticide exposure.

When gloves are required, the pesticide product label will specify the type of gloves that must be worn— either waterproof or chemical resistant. This is based on the pesticide’s formulation. Waterproof gloves, such as disposable latex, are used with solid and water-based formulations and do not allow the movement of water or water-based solutions through the material.

Other pesticides may require the use of chemical-resistant gloves. These gloves are made of materials such as neoprene, nitrile, butyl rubber, Viton®, and bar­rier laminate. If a specific glove material is necessary for a certain pesticide, the label will list which material type to use.  

Chemical-resistant materials do not offer unlimited protection from pesticides.  The amount and length of protection a particular material provides will vary depending on the carriers and solvents used to formulate the pesticide, the concentration of the pesticide, the air temperature, and the length of time the material is exposed to the pesticide. No one material resists all chemicals equally, but some materials provide better overall protection than others.

If the label does not specify a glove material, recognize that barrier laminate, butyl rubber, or nitrile gloves all provide good overall protection.

• Barrier laminate gloves resist breakthroughs to nearly all pesticide formulations. These gloves are made by laminating or combining two or more products together. However, they are flat, slippery, and clumsy to wear. A pair of fitted rubber gloves should be worn over barrier-laminate gloves to provide comfort, protection, and dexterity.
• Butyl rubber gloves provide excellent chemical resistance to gases, products containing ketones, and are ideal for handling hazardous materials. However, they are expensive.
• Nitrile gloves are durable and provide protection from physical hazards such as cuts, punctures, or abrasions. They are designed to provide chemical resistance to petrochemicals, oils, greases, pesticides, and other agricultural chemicals. In addition, they are relatively inexpensive.
• Viton® gloves are recommended when working with extremely hazardous chemicals, such as carcinogenic or highly toxic chemicals, but they are expensive.

Glove thickness is another important consideration when selecting gloves. The thickness of the material can affect the breakthrough time, which is the length of time it takes for the pesticide to permeate the glove. Generally, thicker gloves have a longer breakthrough time and are more resistant to tears, abrasions, and general wear. Gloves are available in thicknesses ranging from 3 millimeters (mils) to 30 mils. When labels specify the use of chemical-resistant gloves, they typically require a glove that is at least 14 mils thick. So single-use, disposable gloves, which are normally 3 to 5 mils thick and intended for use with short tasks, cannot be used. When gloves show signs of wear, tear, or punctures, immediately replace them and make them unusable before disposing.

When purchasing gloves, buy a pair that provides a comfortable fit and the necessary dexterity. To determine the proper glove size, measure the circumference around the widest part of the palm of your hand. See the attached chart for the proper size.

Another important consideration when buying gloves is to make sure they are not lined. This is because the lining can absorb any pesticide that gets inside the glove. Also, select a glove that is long enough to adequately protect your hands and forearms from chemical splashes. As was mentioned earlier, choose a glove that is comfortable, the proper size, and durable.

When you are finished with the job, make sure to wash the gloves—while still wearing them—with soap and water and then remove them properly. Finally, wash your hands with soap and warm water to remove any residues. Protect yourself from unnecessary pesticide exposures by always wearing a long-sleeved shirt as required, and it is a good practice to always wear a pair of gloves even if the label does not require them.