North Carolina Pesticide Application Practice Test

What causes vapor drift when using pesticides?

1. Inadequate training of pesticide applicators

2. Temperature and pesticide volatility combined with wind

3. Over-application of the pesticide

4. Lack of protective gear for applicators

The correct answer is: Temperature and pesticide volatility combined with wind

Vapor drift occurs primarily due to the combination of temperature, pesticide volatility, and wind conditions. When pesticides are applied, especially as sprays or aerosols, they can easily evaporate into the atmosphere if the temperature is high and if the formulation of the pesticide allows for volatile compounds to be released. When the temperature rises, the volatility of certain pesticides increases, meaning they are more likely to shift from a liquid to a gas. Wind then can carry these gaseous particles away from the application site, leading to drift that may contaminate unintended areas, such as neighboring crops, gardens, or water sources. Understanding these physical properties is crucial for ensuring that pesticides are applied effectively and safely, as managing environmental conditions can significantly reduce the risk of vapor drift. Other factors such as the training of applicators, the amount used, and personal protective equipment, while important in their own right, do not directly cause vapor drift. Therefore, it's essential to focus on temperature and volatility along with wind when considering the risk of pesticide drift.