Hazard related to pesticide use varies with exposure. Which statement best describes this relationship?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not applicable
• D. Cannot be determined

Answer: (A)

Hazard is the inherent potential of a pesticide to cause harm, but whether that harm actually occurs depends on exposure. The amount, duration, and route of exposure determine how much of the chemical reaches the body and what effects it may produce. So as exposure changes, the realized harm changes too: low or no exposure may result in little or no harm, while higher exposure increases both the likelihood and the severity of adverse effects. This is why, in practice, risk grows with greater exposure, even though the intrinsic hazard of the pesticide remains the same.