North Carolina Pesticide Applicator Certification Core Manual (Ch. 6 - 7) Exam Questions and Answers

When using pesticides in any outdoor environment, always ask these two questions: - ANSWER-1. Where will the pesticide go in the environment after it is applied? 2. What damage could this pesticide do to non-target sites it may reach in the environment? In what ways do pesticides move? - ANSWER-In air, in water and soil, and on or in objects. When pesticides move away from their target, environmental contamination may be caused. Movement in air- Drift - ANSWER-Pesticide movement away from the application site by wind or air currents is called drift. Pesticides may be carried off site in the air as vapor or particles Movement in soil and water- Runoff and Leaching - ANSWER-Pesticide movement in water may occur by runoff into drainage systems, streams, ponds, or other surface water which may carry the pesticides great distances from the application site. It also may occur by pesticide leaching downwards through the soil where it may reach and contaminate groundwater. Movement on or in clothing, equipment, plants, or animals - ANSWER-Pesticide residue is the pesticide that remains in the environment after an application or spill. Residues may be treated on crops, feed products, or livestock. Pesticide handlers may bring pesticides into their home through improper or careless application. PROPERTIES THAT AFFECT MOVEMENT: Pesticide Degradation - ANSWER-After pesticides are applied, they can break into simpler and sometimes less complex chemicals. PROPERTIES THAT AFFECT MOVEMENT: Persistence - ANSWER-Some pesticides remain present and active for a long time before breaking down. Such persistence may contribute to long-lasting pest control and reduce the need for repeated applications. It is important to prevent any off-site movement of persistent pesticides, since they can have devastating effects on the environment PROPERTIES THAT AFFECT MOVEMENT: Solubility - ANSWER-A soluble pesticide dissolves easily in liquid, usually water. Soluble pesticides are more likely to move with water. PROPERTIES THAT AFFECT MOVEMENT: Adsorption - ANSWER-The process of adsortion is the binding of pesticide to soil particles. Adsortion slows the movement of pesticides off the application site PROPERTIES THAT AFFECT MOVEMENT: Volatility - ANSWER-Volatility is the tendency of a pesticide to turn into a gas or vapor. Pesticides are more volatile in warm, dray and windy weather WAYS TO REDUCE PESTICIDE DRIFT FROM SPRAY