How can the risk of pesticide exposure be minimized during application?

Minimizing the risk of pesticide exposure during application is crucial for both safety and environmental protection. The correct choice emphasizes the importance of using appropriate protective equipment, such as gloves, masks, and protective clothing, to reduce direct contact with the chemicals. This personal protective equipment (PPE) acts as a barrier between the applicator and the pesticide, significantly lowering the risk of exposure.

Additionally, avoiding adverse weather conditions, such as high winds or rain, is essential during pesticide application. Weather can influence how pesticides disperse and remain effective, as well as the likelihood of drift to non-target areas. For example, windy conditions can cause pesticides to drift away from the intended target, increasing the chance of exposure to unintended areas or individuals.

Other options, such as applying more pesticide than recommended or wearing casual clothing, would not minimize exposure and instead could increase the risk to the applicator and the environment. Applying pesticides at night may seem like a strategy to reduce exposure, but it can also lead to decreased visibility and increased risk factors, making it less effective in minimizing exposure compared to the strategies highlighted in the correct option.