For how long should you flush your eyes if pesticides enter them?

When pesticides come into contact with the eyes, it is crucial to flush the eyes immediately to minimize irritation and potential damage. The recommended duration for flushing the eyes is at least 15 minutes. This duration allows sufficient time for any pesticide residue to be thoroughly removed and for any chemicals to be diluted, significantly reducing the risk of tissue damage and other complications.

Flushing the eyes with clean, running water or a saline solution helps to wash away harmful substances and alleviates discomfort. It's essential to keep the eyes open during the flushing process to ensure that the water or saline can adequately reach all areas of the eye.

Although other durations are mentioned, such as 5, 10, or 20 minutes, 15 minutes is generally seen as the minimum effective time required to ensure the eyes are properly cleansed. Remember, in any case of chemical exposure to the eyes, prompt action is critical, and additional medical advice should always be sought after flushing.