North Carolina Pesticide Application Practice Test

What does the term "pesticide toxicity" refer to?

1. The potential of a pesticide to cause physical harm

2. The capacity of a pesticide to cause short term or long term injury

3. The effectiveness of a pesticide on various pests

4. The legal guidelines for pesticide application

The correct answer is: The capacity of a pesticide to cause short term or long term injury

The term "pesticide toxicity" refers to the capacity of a pesticide to cause short term or long term injury to organisms, including humans, animals, and beneficial insects. This encompasses not only the immediate effects that may occur right after exposure, such as irritation or acute illness, but also any chronic effects that may develop over time from prolonged exposure or low-level contact. Understanding toxicity is critical for safe pesticide use, as it informs users about the proper handling, application, and potential risks associated with each pesticide product. While the other options touch on relevant aspects of pesticides, they do not capture the full scope of toxicity. Physical harm mainly addresses immediate injury without considering lasting impacts, effectiveness pertains to how well a pesticide performs against pests rather than how it affects living organisms, and legal guidelines govern the use and application procedures, which is separate from the concept of toxicity itself.