Oregon Pesticide Practice Test

What does the term 'acute toxicity' imply about a pesticide?

1. It refers to long-term health effects

2. It pertains to immediate harmful effects after short-term exposure

3. It indicates addictive properties

4. It covers the overall danger of exposure

The correct answer is: It pertains to immediate harmful effects after short-term exposure

The term 'acute toxicity' specifically refers to the immediate harmful effects that can result from a pesticide after short-term exposure, such as a single exposure or exposure over a short period of time. This type of toxicity is concerned with the effects that appear swiftly, usually within hours to days, following exposure to the chemical. Understanding acute toxicity is crucial for assessing the immediate risks associated with pesticide use, which can help ensure safety for both applicators and the environment. Knowledge of acute toxicity is essential for following proper handling and application procedures to minimize risks associated with exposure. In contrast, the other options focus on different aspects of toxicity and pesticide effects. Long-term health effects relate to chronic toxicity, which involves exposure over an extended period. Addictive properties are unrelated to the toxicity of pesticides. The overall danger of exposure sounds more like an assessment of risk, taking into account various factors including both acute and chronic effects, but does not specifically define what acute toxicity means. Thus, the emphasis on immediate harmful effects makes the selection of the second option correct in this context.