The toxicity of a pesticide is defined as what?

The toxicity of a pesticide refers specifically to its capacity to cause injury to living organisms, including humans, wildlife, and beneficial insects. This definition encompasses both acute effects (which occur shortly after exposure) and chronic effects (which can develop over longer periods of exposure). Understanding toxicity is crucial for ensuring proper handling, application, and regulations surrounding pesticide use, as it helps in assessing the risks associated with exposure to the chemical and in establishing safety measures required to protect public health and the environment.

Other factors such as price, volume, or application method can influence the use of a pesticide but do not inherently define its toxicity. These factors relate more to the commercial or practical aspects of pesticide usage rather than the biological impacts that determine how harmful a pesticide can be.