Which statement is false about harmful effects of pesticides?

Which statement is false about harmful effects of pesticides?

• A. The most common form of pesticide injury is by inhalation.
• B. Pesticides can irritate the skin.
• C. Pesticides can affect the eyes.
• D. Pesticides can cause long-term health effects with repeated exposure.

Answer: (A)

Exposure route is the key idea. In real-world pesticide injuries, skin contact is the most common route of exposure, not inhalation. Pesticides can be absorbed through the skin when handling, mixing, or coming into contact with contaminated clothing or surfaces, so dermal exposure tends to account for more injuries than breathing in the chemical. Inhalation injuries can occur, especially during spraying or when there are fumes or fine aerosols, but they are not the most frequent route. That makes the statement about inhalation being the most common form false. The other statements are accurate: pesticides can irritate the skin, they can affect the eyes, and repeated exposure can lead to long-term health effects. Understanding these routes helps explain why protective clothing, gloves, eye protection, and good ventilation are essential.

Exposure route is the key idea. In real-world pesticide injuries, skin contact is the most common route of exposure, not inhalation. Pesticides can be absorbed through the skin when handling, mixing, or coming into contact with contaminated clothing or surfaces, so dermal exposure tends to account for more injuries than breathing in the chemical. Inhalation injuries can occur, especially during spraying or when there are fumes or fine aerosols, but they are not the most frequent route.

That makes the statement about inhalation being the most common form false. The other statements are accurate: pesticides can irritate the skin, they can affect the eyes, and repeated exposure can lead to long-term health effects. Understanding these routes helps explain why protective clothing, gloves, eye protection, and good ventilation are essential.