If you spill highly concentrated chemicals on your clothes, how should you clean them?

• A. Wash them thoroughly with soap and water
• B. Don't, dispose of them properly
• C. Rinse and reuse the clothing
• D. Launder with regular clothes

Answer: (B)

When pesticides contaminate clothing, the safest option is to remove the contaminated garments and dispose of them properly rather than trying to wash them. Highly concentrated chemicals can cling to fabric and may not be fully removed by washing, and attempting to launder them can spread the contaminant to the washing machine, other clothes, or back to your skin. By disposing of the contaminated clothing according to label directions or local hazardous-waste guidelines, you prevent further exposure and cross-contamination. After removing the clothing, rinse any exposed skin with soap and water and decontaminate the area. Place the contaminated garments in a sealed bag or container and follow the disposal instructions.