Structural Pest Control Applicator Practice Exam

What harm can pesticide runoff cause?

1. It can harm nontarget plants.

2. It can harm wildlife.

3. It can pollute water.

4. All of the above.

The correct answer is: All of the above.

Pesticide runoff can lead to significant environmental issues, impacting various aspects of ecosystems. When pesticides are applied to crops or vegetation, rainwater or irrigation can wash these chemicals off the surfaces, carrying them into nearby water bodies, soils, and non-target areas. First, the runoff can harm nontarget plants, as the chemicals may drift into areas where they are not intended, potentially causing damage to nearby flora. This chemical exposure can inhibit growth, alter reproductive cycles, or lead to the death of these plants, disrupting local plant communities. Second, wildlife is also at risk from pesticide runoff. Animals can be affected either directly through exposure or indirectly through the food chain, where they may ingest contaminated plants or prey. This can lead to acute toxicity or chronic health issues, such as reproductive failures and developmental problems in various animal species. Furthermore, pesticide runoff can severely pollute water sources. When chemicals enter rivers, lakes, or groundwater, they can alter water quality, harming aquatic life and potentially affecting human health. Contaminated water can disrupt ecosystems, leading to a loss of biodiversity and affecting species that rely on clean water for survival. In summary, pesticide runoff poses a multifaceted threat to the environment, affecting nontarget plants, wildlife, and