Why should eye protection be worn when applying aerosol pesticides to cracks and crevices?

Wearing eye protection when applying aerosol pesticides to cracks and crevices is crucial primarily due to the risk of blowback. Blowback occurs when aerosol pesticides rebound or spray back towards the applicator due to factors like pressure built up in the can or the way the pesticide is delivered. This can lead to the pesticide inadvertently splashing or spraying into the applicator's eyes, which poses a serious health risk.

Protective eyewear helps safeguard against potential irritation or injury from chemical exposure, ensuring the applicator maintains safety while performing their task. While other concerns such as over-applying, leaching, and runoff are related to pesticide application, they do not directly address the specific risk of eye exposure during the aerosol application process. Thus, the primary reason for using eye protection in this context is to prevent harm from blowback.