Texas Pesticide Applicator Practice Exam

True or False: Pesticide residues can build up in the bodies of animals, including humans.

1. True

2. False

3. N/A

4. Only in pets

The correct answer is: True

Pesticide residues can indeed accumulate in the bodies of animals, including humans, due to the processes of absorption, storage, and slow metabolism. This phenomenon is known as biomagnification, where chemical substances increase in concentration at each higher level of the food chain. For example, when animals consume plants that have been treated with pesticides, those chemicals can accumulate in their tissues over time. This is particularly concerning because it can lead to adverse health effects for the animals and humans that consume them, particularly if the pesticide is toxic or has long-term environmental impacts. Understanding this accumulation process is crucial in pesticide application and safety practices, as it highlights the importance of following label instructions and understanding the potential risks involved in the use of pesticides near food sources or habitats shared with wildlife.