Pest Control Technician Practice Exam

What environmental concern can arise from pesticide evaporation?

1. Soil erosion

2. Air pollution

3. Water toxicity

4. Habitat destruction

The correct answer is: Air pollution

Pesticide evaporation is a significant environmental concern that can lead to air pollution. When pesticides are applied, they can evaporate into the atmosphere, which may result in harmful chemicals being released into the air. This can contribute to the contamination of the air quality, potentially affecting not only non-target organisms but also human health. Furthermore, airborne pesticides can drift from the application area, leading to unintended exposure of wildlife and people in surrounding areas. This phenomenon can impact various ecosystems and create broader environmental issues, such as the disruption of air quality standards and the potential for respiratory problems in humans and animals. While soil erosion, water toxicity, and habitat destruction are serious issues associated with pesticide use, they are not direct results of evaporation. Soil erosion pertains to the loss of topsoil often exacerbated by land management practices, water toxicity relates to the contamination of water bodies which can result from runoff, and habitat destruction involves significant alterations to an ecosystem that may occur through different forms of land use or pesticide application.