North Carolina Pesticide Application Practice Test

Which of the following is not a way pesticides can move in the environment?

1. By air

2. Through soil/water

3. On equipment or clothing

4. Only through human application

The correct answer is: Only through human application

Pesticides can move through the environment in several ways, including via air, soil, and water, as well as being transported on equipment or clothing. Each of these methods illustrates how pesticides can disperse beyond their initial application site, demonstrating the potential for environmental impact. The idea that pesticides can only move through human application is incorrect because it implies a limitation on their movement that does not account for natural processes and unintentional transport. For instance, pesticides can volatilize into the air, allowing them to be carried by wind to other locations. They can also leach into groundwater or run off into nearby water bodies through soil, especially after rainfall. Additionally, equipment used in the application process can retain residues that may travel to unintentional sites or through subsequent interaction with soil and plants. Similarly, clothing worn during pesticide application can pick up residues and transfer them elsewhere. This understanding is crucial for proper management and mitigation of pesticide movement and its associated environmental risks.