Before storing pesticides, which precaution should be taken?

Before storing pesticides, ensuring that the container isn't leaking is crucial for several reasons. Leaks can lead to contamination of the surrounding environment, pose a risk to human health, and cause damage to property. Ensuring that containers are intact helps maintain the integrity of the pesticides and prevents accidental spills or exposure.

This precaution is essential because even small leaks can result in significant safety hazards. Pesticides can be harmful to wildlife, pets, and humans, and leaking containers may compromise these safety standards. Taking the time to check for leaks before storage is a responsible practice to safeguard health and the environment.

Other precautions are also important, but they do not address immediate risks in the same way that checking for leaks does. For instance, while storing containers upright can help prevent spills, it does not eliminate the risk posed by a leaking container. Keeping pesticides away from direct sunlight and ensuring that labels are intact and readable are also necessary steps for proper storage and identification, but they do not directly relate to the urgent need to contain the substances safely.