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Core Chapter 7
Pesticides in the Environment
Question | Answer |
---|---|
What are some ways pesticide applications can affect the environment? | Contamination of groundwater, toxicity to birds or aquatic animals. |
What is solubility? | A measure of the ability of a pesticide to dissolve in a solvent, usually water. |
What is true about pesticides that are highly soluble? | They dissolve easily in water and are more likely than less-soluble pesticides to move with water in surface runoff or through the soil. |
What is absorption? | The process whereby a pesticide binds to soil particles. |
Why does absorption occur? | Because of an attraction between the chemical and soil particles. Typically, oil-soluble pesticides are more attracted than water-soluble pesticides to clay particles and organic matter in soil. |
What is persistence? | The ability of a pesticide to remain present and active in its original form for an extended period before breaking down. A chemical's persistence is described in terms of its "half-life". |
What is half-life? | A comparative measure of the time needed for the chemical to break down (degrade) |
What is residue? | The pesticide that remains in the environment after an application or spill. |
Why can residue be useful or desirable? | It provides long-term pest control and reduces the need for repeated applications |
What is volatility? | The tendency of a pesticide to turn into a gas or vapor |
What increases the chance of volitization? | Increase in temperature and wind, low relative humidity |
How can you decrease outdoor drift? | Spray when the wind speed is between 3 & 10 MPH Spray downwind from sensitive areas Use proper nozzles & pressures. Use drift control additives (if appropriate). Lower boom height. Leave an untreated border/buffer area in the downwind target area |
How can you decrease indoor drift? | Consider air circulation patterns inside buildings - turn fans & air conditioners off and close vents when necessary to prevent pesticides from drifting to other parts of the building. Use low-volatile or nonvolatile pesticides & low-pressure treatments. |
How can you decrease runoff? | Clean sprayers at the application site at a safe distance from wells, ponds, streams, & storm drains. Spray the rinsate on the treated area or on another site listed on the pesticide label, or use in the next tank mix. Be sure not to exceed label rates. |
How can you decrease pesticide movement? | Avoid bringing or wearing home contaminated PPE, work clothing, or other items Follow special instructions on the label that warn of pesticide hazards caused by the movement of pesticides in water. |
What are some outdoor sensitive areas that could be harmed by pesticides? | School grounds, playgrounds, & recreational areas. Habitats of endangered species. Apiaries (honey bee sites), wildlife refuges, & parks. Areas where domestic animals & livestock are kept. Gardens & sensitive food or feed crops |
What are some indoor sensitive areas that could be harmed by pesticides? | Areas where: People live, work, shop, or are cared for (such as hospitals and daycare centers). Food or feed is processed, prepared, stored, or served. Domestic or confined animals live, eat, or are otherwise cared for. Plants are grown/maintained |
What are some ways to reduce pesticide residue accumulation associated with mixing, loading, and equipment washing? | Never clean tanks or discharge water from a tank into a street or storm drain Mix and load at least 50 ft from wells, bodies of water, & storm drains Immediately contain & control pesticide spills Check application equipment regularly for leaks/damage |
When should you adjust or delay an application in order to minimize environmental impact and maximize effectiveness? | If a heavy rain is forecasted immediately after the application; when the ground is saturated or frozen; if wind is higher than a label's precautions or restrictions state; anytime surface water is present. |
Which two factors are most important in avoiding vapor drift? | Temperature and pesticide volatility |
When is the best time to spray pesticide in order to prevent injury to bees? | Evening or at night. |