Certified Crop Advisor Practice Exam

Which of the following best describes how to store pesticides?

1. In a cool, dark place

2. In an open container

3. In a locked building

4. In a vehicle

The correct answer is: In a locked building

Storing pesticides safely is crucial for ensuring their effectiveness, minimizing risks to human health, and protecting the environment. The best practice is to store pesticides in a locked building. This approach helps to prevent unauthorized access, thereby protecting children, pets, and even wildlife from potential exposure. It also reduces the risk of theft or misuse of the chemicals. A locked building provides a controlled environment that can be monitored. That way, you can maintain appropriate conditions that protect the pesticides from extreme temperatures, moisture, and sunlight, which could potentially degrade their efficacy. Furthermore, it promotes organization and proper inventory management of the pesticides, ensuring compliance with legal and safety regulations. The other options present varying levels of risk and ineffectiveness. For example, keeping pesticides in a cool, dark place may preserve their integrity, but without secure locking, there exists a risk of accidental exposure or theft. Storing them in an open container endangers the contents, as they could easily spill, evaporate, or become contaminated. Finally, storing pesticides in a vehicle exposes them to temperature fluctuations and increases the likelihood of spills or leaks, which can pose safety hazards. Thus, a locked building stands out as the most responsible and effective storage solution.