What does pesticide toxicity refer to?

Pesticide toxicity specifically refers to the capacity of a pesticide to cause injury to living organisms, including plants, animals, and humans. Toxicity is determined by several factors, such as the chemical composition of the pesticide, the dose, the route of exposure, and the sensitivity of the organism being exposed. Understanding toxicity is crucial for safe pesticide application, as it helps determine not only the potential harm that a pesticide may cause but also guides the proper dosage, application methods, and safety measures necessary to mitigate risk.

While effectiveness, duration of impact, and concentration levels are important aspects of pesticide use and behavior in the environment, they are not directly related to the definition of toxicity. Effectiveness refers to how well a pesticide performs its intended function, duration indicates how long the effects last, and concentration relates to the amount present in a given area. Toxicity, however, is specifically about the potential harm posed by the pesticide itself.