What defines the potential of a pesticide to cause injury?

The potential of a pesticide to cause injury is defined by its hazard. Hazard refers to the intrinsic properties of a chemical that can lead to adverse effects on human health, non-target organisms, or the environment when exposure occurs. This encompasses factors such as toxicity levels, the manner in which the chemical interacts with biological systems, and the potential for environmental persistence.

The assessment of hazard involves understanding how the pesticide behaves under various conditions, including its application method, the dosage used, and the environmental context in which it is applied. By focusing on hazard, one gains insights into how likely it is that the pesticide could cause harm, independent of its effectiveness against specific pests.

In contrast, effectiveness in pest eradication pertains to the pesticide's ability to control or eliminate target organisms, while resistance from target organisms involves their ability to survive despite pesticide application. The time of environmental exposure considers how long the pesticide remains in the environment but does not inherently measure its potential for harm. Hence, hazard is the most relevant factor in defining the potential for injury from pesticide use.