What is an environmental risk of pesticide drift?

Pesticide drift refers to the movement of pesticide particles or droplets through the air after application, which can lead to unintended exposure of non-target organisms that are not the intended recipients of the pesticide. This drift can result in detrimental effects on beneficial insect populations, wildlife, and even aquatic ecosystems, where pesticides can contaminate water sources and harm aquatic life. Additionally, it can impact nearby crops or plants that are not intended to receive treatment, potentially causing damage to those plants or leading to unintended ecological consequences.

This choice highlights the significant environmental risks associated with pesticide drift, emphasizing the importance of responsible pesticide application to mitigate these risks and protect biodiversity in surrounding areas.