California Qualified Applicator Certificate –
Category M: Non-Soil Fumigation (QAC)
Practice Exam Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. Which of the following gases is commonly used for non-soil fumigation
of stored products?
A. Carbon dioxide
B. Phosphine
C. Methyl bromide
D. Chlorine
Phosphine is widely used as a fumigant for stored grains and other
commodities due to its effectiveness against insects.
2. What is the main hazard associated with non-soil fumigants?
A. Fire risk
B. Slippery residues
, C. Toxic inhalation
D. Corrosion of metals
Non-soil fumigants are gases that can be highly toxic when inhaled,
posing the greatest risk to applicators and bystanders.
3. Which personal protective equipment is essential when handling
phosphine gas?
A. Gloves only
B. Safety glasses only
C. Respiratory protection
D. Ear protection
A proper respirator or supplied-air system is necessary because
phosphine is extremely toxic when inhaled.
4. What is the first step in preparing a fumigation site?
A. Mixing the fumigant
B. Posting warning signs
C. Sealing the area
D. Notifying neighbors
Sealing the structure or commodity area ensures the fumigant
remains effective and minimizes exposure.
5. Which of the following is a symptom of acute phosphine poisoning?
A. Rash
B. Nausea and dizziness
C. Hair loss
, D. Blurred vision
Exposure to phosphine can cause severe nausea, dizziness, and
respiratory distress.
6. What is the purpose of monitoring gas concentrations during
fumigation?
A. To save product
B. To clean the area
C. To ensure effectiveness and safety
D. To reduce odors
Monitoring allows applicators to confirm that target pest mortality is
achieved while preventing unsafe exposure levels.
7. What should you do if a worker is exposed to fumigant gas?
A. Give water and leave them in place
B. Move them to fresh air and seek medical attention
C. Wash the area with chemicals
D. Wait for symptoms to disappear
Immediate removal to fresh air and medical evaluation is critical for
fumigant exposure.
8. Which type of container is suitable for storing fumigants?
A. Cardboard boxes
B. Plastic bags
C. Approved, labeled metal cylinders
D. Open trays
, Fumigants must be stored in containers designed to contain
pressurized, toxic gases safely.
9. What is the primary factor determining fumigation duration?
A. Color of the commodity
B. Type of container
C. Temperature and target pest
D. Humidity alone
Fumigation time depends on gas concentration, temperature, and
the pest species' susceptibility.
10. Methyl bromide is no longer widely used because:
A. It is ineffective
B. It depletes the ozone layer
C. It smells unpleasant
D. It is too expensive
Methyl bromide has been phased out due to its ozone-depleting
properties, under international agreements.
11. Why is ventilation important after fumigation?
A. To improve humidity
B. To remove toxic residues
C. To prevent rust
D. To dry commodities
Ventilation removes residual fumigant gas, reducing risk to humans
and animals.
Category M: Non-Soil Fumigation (QAC)
Practice Exam Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. Which of the following gases is commonly used for non-soil fumigation
of stored products?
A. Carbon dioxide
B. Phosphine
C. Methyl bromide
D. Chlorine
Phosphine is widely used as a fumigant for stored grains and other
commodities due to its effectiveness against insects.
2. What is the main hazard associated with non-soil fumigants?
A. Fire risk
B. Slippery residues
, C. Toxic inhalation
D. Corrosion of metals
Non-soil fumigants are gases that can be highly toxic when inhaled,
posing the greatest risk to applicators and bystanders.
3. Which personal protective equipment is essential when handling
phosphine gas?
A. Gloves only
B. Safety glasses only
C. Respiratory protection
D. Ear protection
A proper respirator or supplied-air system is necessary because
phosphine is extremely toxic when inhaled.
4. What is the first step in preparing a fumigation site?
A. Mixing the fumigant
B. Posting warning signs
C. Sealing the area
D. Notifying neighbors
Sealing the structure or commodity area ensures the fumigant
remains effective and minimizes exposure.
5. Which of the following is a symptom of acute phosphine poisoning?
A. Rash
B. Nausea and dizziness
C. Hair loss
, D. Blurred vision
Exposure to phosphine can cause severe nausea, dizziness, and
respiratory distress.
6. What is the purpose of monitoring gas concentrations during
fumigation?
A. To save product
B. To clean the area
C. To ensure effectiveness and safety
D. To reduce odors
Monitoring allows applicators to confirm that target pest mortality is
achieved while preventing unsafe exposure levels.
7. What should you do if a worker is exposed to fumigant gas?
A. Give water and leave them in place
B. Move them to fresh air and seek medical attention
C. Wash the area with chemicals
D. Wait for symptoms to disappear
Immediate removal to fresh air and medical evaluation is critical for
fumigant exposure.
8. Which type of container is suitable for storing fumigants?
A. Cardboard boxes
B. Plastic bags
C. Approved, labeled metal cylinders
D. Open trays
, Fumigants must be stored in containers designed to contain
pressurized, toxic gases safely.
9. What is the primary factor determining fumigation duration?
A. Color of the commodity
B. Type of container
C. Temperature and target pest
D. Humidity alone
Fumigation time depends on gas concentration, temperature, and
the pest species' susceptibility.
10. Methyl bromide is no longer widely used because:
A. It is ineffective
B. It depletes the ozone layer
C. It smells unpleasant
D. It is too expensive
Methyl bromide has been phased out due to its ozone-depleting
properties, under international agreements.
11. Why is ventilation important after fumigation?
A. To improve humidity
B. To remove toxic residues
C. To prevent rust
D. To dry commodities
Ventilation removes residual fumigant gas, reducing risk to humans
and animals.
