North Carolina Pesticide Application Practice Test

What can be a significant consequence of using restricted-use pesticides?

1. They can improve crop yields significantly

2. They can be harmless to humans and the environment

3. They can be harmful to humans and the environment

4. They reduce the need for certified applicators

The correct answer is: They can be harmful to humans and the environment

Using restricted-use pesticides can have significant consequences, particularly regarding their potential harm to humans and the environment. These pesticides are classified as restricted-use due to their higher toxicity profiles, which means they can pose greater risks if not handled correctly. This risk includes potential acute and chronic health effects on people who are exposed to the pesticides, as well as negative impacts on wildlife, beneficial insects, and surrounding ecosystems. The regulation of these pesticides is intended to mitigate potential hazards by limiting their availability to trained and certified applicators who understand how to apply them safely and effectively. Proper application practices and adherence to safety guidelines are crucial to minimize any harmful effects. Other choices present misleading notions; for example, while certain pesticides can improve crop yields, that benefit needs to be weighed against the health and environmental risks they pose. Additionally, the implication that restricted-use pesticides are harmless contradicts the reasons for their classification. Lastly, these pesticides specifically necessitate the involvement of certified applicators rather than reducing that need, ensuring that the risks associated with their use are managed appropriately.