Which storage practice is correct for pesticides?

• A. Store all pesticides in original containers
• B. Store pesticides in unlabeled containers
• C. Store near cleaning supplies
• D. Store in the living area

Answer: (A)

Storing pesticides in their original containers is best because the label on the container provides the exact product name, active ingredients, hazards, first-aid instructions, and storage directions. The container is designed to protect the product from contamination and leaks, and keeping it in that container prevents mix-ups or misidentification.

Transferring pesticides to unlabeled containers creates a serious safety risk because you can’t reliably know what chemical you’re handling, its hazards, or the proper precautions, which can lead to accidental exposure or improper use. Storing pesticides near cleaning supplies can cause cross-contamination and increases the chance of spills or accidental mixing, making it harder to keep track of what is what. Keeping pesticides in the living area exposes people and pets to potential exposure and is unsafe and inappropriate for storage.

A safer storage practice is to keep pesticides in their original, labeled containers, in a secure place that is cool, dry, well-ventilated, and out of reach of children and pets (ideally in a locked cabinet or similar enclosure), away from food, drink, and animal feed.