Which term describes the likelihood of a pesticide causing adverse effects?

The term that describes the likelihood of a pesticide causing adverse effects is "hazard." In the context of pesticides, hazard refers to the inherent properties of the chemical and its potential to cause harm under specific conditions. This encompasses not just the chemical composition but also how it behaves in the environment, the potential for human and ecological exposure, and the circumstances under which it might cause harm.

Understanding hazard is critical for pesticide applicators as it informs risk assessments and safety practices. Knowing the hazard associated with a pesticide helps in determining appropriate handling, application methods, and necessary protective measures to mitigate risk.

Other terms like danger, toxicity, and exposure have specific meanings that are related but distinct. "Danger" often conveys a more generalized sense of threat rather than a defined likelihood based on characteristics of the pesticide. "Toxicity" specifically refers to the degree to which a substance can cause harm, often measured by the dosage required to produce effects, rather than the likelihood of adverse effects under various exposure scenarios. "Exposure" pertains to the extent to which individuals or organisms come into contact with a pesticide, but does not inherently capture the risk of harm without considering the hazard.