Which group of pesticides is specifically noted for irritation of skin and mucous membranes?

• A. Borates
• B. Organochlorines
• C. Neonicotinoids
• D. Carbamates

Answer: (A)

Irritation of skin and mucous membranes is a local exposure hazard you’ll see with certain pesticides, especially during handling when dust or spray can contact the skin or eyes. Borates are specifically noted for this effect; their safety information calls out that contact with skin or mucous membranes can cause irritation, so protective gloves, eye protection, and good hygiene are important during use. The other groups are associated with different primary hazards: organochlorines tend to be known for environmental persistence and chronic toxicity; neonicotinoids mainly affect the insect nervous system and have relatively low mammalian irritation; carbamates are cholinesterase inhibitors with systemic toxic effects rather than a primary local irritation concern. Therefore, borates are the group specifically noted for irritation of skin and mucous membranes.