How soon can agricultural workers enter the field, without protective clothing after an OUT application?

The correct answer is that agricultural workers can enter the field without protective clothing no earlier than 48 hours after an outdoor pesticide application. This timeframe is established to ensure that any potential residue from the pesticide has sufficiently degraded or dissipated, thereby reducing the risk of exposure to the workers. Many pesticides require a specific re-entry interval, which is the time that must pass between the application of the pesticide and the safe return of workers to the treated area. A 48-hour interval is a common requirement for various pesticides, particularly those that are more hazardous.

The other options suggest shorter or longer waiting periods that do not align with safety guidelines. For instance, suggesting that workers can enter "when the dust has settled" does not provide a clear or reliable measure of safety because dust may settle quickly but residues can remain harmful for much longer. "When the spray has dried" might also miss the mark in terms of safety, as drying does not necessarily equate to the absence of harmful residues. Meanwhile, a full week would be excessively cautious for many pesticides, as it could impede agricultural operations unnecessarily. Hence, the established 48-hour period balances safety and practicality in agricultural settings.