Texas Pesticide Applicator Practice Exam

What term is used to describe how poisonous a pesticide is after short-term exposure?

1. Chronic Toxicity

2. Acute Toxicity

3. Long-term Exposure

4. Residual Toxicity

The correct answer is: Acute Toxicity

The term used to describe how poisonous a pesticide is after short-term exposure is "acute toxicity." This refers to the effects that occur shortly after a pesticide is applied, typically within 24 hours to a few days. Acute toxicity is a critical measure for assessing the immediate risk associated with pesticide exposure because it helps determine how dangerous a pesticide might be in a short timeframe. In contrast, chronic toxicity pertains to the long-term effects resulting from prolonged exposure to a substance, which is different from the concept of acute toxicity. Long-term exposure describes the duration of contact but does not specify the immediacy of the effects. Residual toxicity refers to the remaining toxicity of a pesticide after its initial application and can influence environmental impacts, but it does not specifically address immediate or short-term risk. Thus, acute toxicity is the most accurate term for describing the potential danger of pesticides soon after application.