Structural Pest Control Applicator Practice Exam

What type of effects occur at the site of contact with a pesticide?

1. Chronic effects

2. Local effects

3. Systemic effects

4. Allergic effects

The correct answer is: Local effects

The correct answer identifies local effects as those that occur specifically at the site where a pesticide comes into contact with the organism. Local effects can manifest in various ways depending on the nature of the pesticide and the exposure level. Common examples of local effects include irritation, burns, or inflammation of the skin or mucous membranes where the pesticide has been applied. This type of effect is often immediate and localized, directly affecting the tissues that have had direct contact with the substance. In contrast, chronic effects refer to long-term health consequences that may emerge after prolonged or repeated exposure, affecting an individual over time rather than immediately at the site of exposure. Systemic effects involve the pesticide entering the bloodstream and affecting the entire body, leading to widespread physiological changes or health issues rather than just localized symptoms. Allergic effects typically signify a hypersensitive reaction that may occur in some individuals upon contact or exposure, which can vary significantly from one person to another, but these are not exclusive to the area of contact. Thus, local effects are distinct in that they pertain specifically to reactions occurring at the point of contact with the pesticide.