Which individual generally faces the greatest risk of exposure to pesticides?

The individual who generally faces the greatest risk of exposure to pesticides is the applicator. Applicators are the professionals or individuals who directly handle and apply pesticides, which involves proximity to the chemicals and the processes involved in their use. This direct interaction increases their vulnerability to inhaling, ingesting, or coming into contact with these substances, particularly if proper safety measures, such as personal protective equipment (PPE), are not utilized or if there is an accident.

In contrast, consumers may be exposed to pesticides through food residues or during home pest control measures but are generally not involved in the application process. Children may be at risk due to their smaller body size and behavior patterns, such as hand-to-mouth activities, but they are not the ones applying the pesticides. Neighbors may experience indirect exposure if they live near treated areas, but their risk is significantly lower compared to the applicator who is engaged with the chemicals firsthand. Therefore, the applicator inherently faces the highest level of risk due to the nature of their work.