How should you flush the eyes if pesticide exposure occurs?

When flushing the eyes after pesticide exposure, the recommended method is to continuously rinse for 15 minutes. This duration ensures that any pesticide residues are effectively removed from the eye, minimizing the potential for irritation or damage. The flushing process should use either clean water or an appropriate eyewash solution to adequately dilute and wash away the chemical.

The decision to flush for this extended period stems from medical guidelines suggesting that a longer flushing time is more effective in preventing serious eye injuries caused by the irritating or harmful effects of pesticides. The thoroughness of this approach is particularly important because many pesticides contain potent active ingredients that can adversely affect sensitive eye tissues.

In comparison, rinsing for just 5 minutes may not provide sufficient time for thorough cleaning, potentially leaving residues that could lead to further irritation or injury. Similarly, using saline solution exclusively may not be necessary, as clean water is typically effective for flushing out pesticides. Applying a compress afterward is generally not recommended immediately following exposure, as it may cause additional irritation or trap chemicals against the eye.