What is meant by “pesticide drift”?

Pesticide drift refers to the unintended movement of pesticides through the air from the target application site to non-target areas. This phenomenon can occur during or shortly after a pesticide has been applied, particularly when conditions such as wind, temperature, and humidity are not favorable. When pesticides drift, they may affect nearby crops, waterways, or non-target organisms, potentially causing harm to the environment and human health. Understanding pesticide drift is critical for ensuring the safe and responsible use of pesticides, as it underscores the importance of adhering to application guidelines and regulations to minimize the risk of unintended exposure or damage.

The other options present concepts related to pesticides but do not accurately define drift. For instance, the effectiveness of a pesticide decreasing over time concerns its shelf life and potency, while soil accumulation pertains to the long-term impact of pesticide use and storage concerns are focused on safety and stability rather than movement.