How can you tell if a pesticide container is damaged?

A damaged pesticide container can pose significant risks to safety and effectiveness, making it essential to identify any issues. The correct approach is to look for visible signs of damage such as leaks, bulges, rust, or any other deterioration that may indicate the integrity of the container has been compromised. Such issues can lead to spills, contamination, and even chemical exposure, which could be hazardous.

Focusing on the integrity of the container is critical because even small leaks can lead to larger environmental and health risks. Inspections should include checking for any physical deformities, as they are direct indicators of whether the container can safely hold the pesticide.

While checking the expiration date on the label is important for ensuring the pesticide’s efficacy, it doesn’t directly indicate whether the container itself is compromised. Bright color can be subjective and does not necessarily correlate with safety or damage. Lastly, examining the contents for sediment might be useful for checking the pesticide's condition, but it does not confirm the integrity of the container itself. Therefore, assessing the container's physical state provides the most immediate and pertinent information regarding its safety for use.