What should be done first in case of dermal exposure to pesticides?

In the event of dermal exposure to pesticides, the immediate and most critical step is to undress and rinse the affected area. This action is essential for several reasons. First, undressing allows for the removal of clothing that may have absorbed the pesticide, preventing further exposure of the skin. Second, rinsing the area with copious amounts of water helps to wash away the pesticide from the skin’s surface, reducing the likelihood of absorption into the body and mitigating the potential harmful effects of the chemical.

Immediate decontamination is crucial in pesticide exposure scenarios to minimize adverse health effects. Proper rinsing should typically be done for at least 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the pesticide involved, to ensure thorough removal of the substance.

Other responses, such as applying ointment or covering the area with a bandage, could trap the pesticide against the skin and exacerbate the situation instead of alleviating it. Leaving the area, while it is important to remove oneself from the source of exposure, does not address the immediate need for decontamination of the skin. Therefore, rinsing the affected area is the correct initial action to take.