Which factor contributes to calculating the overall hazard of a pesticide?

Calculating the overall hazard of a pesticide involves examining both toxicity and exposure. Toxicity refers to the inherent ability of a pesticide to cause harm to living organisms, which can be measured through various toxicity tests. Depending on the active ingredient, toxicity can vary significantly, determining the potential risk associated with using the pesticide.

Exposure relates to how and when a person or an organism comes into contact with the pesticide. This includes factors such as the application method, the frequency of application, the area treated, and environmental conditions that might influence how the pesticide disperses or degrades.

Together, toxicity and exposure form the basis of the risk assessment process, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of the potential hazards posed by a pesticide. This dual consideration helps ensure that any pesticide use is both effective in pest control and safe for the environment and public health. Other factors, while relevant, do not directly contribute to the mathematical calculation of overall hazard in the same way that these two do. Understanding this relationship is crucial for responsible pesticide application and ensuring safety regulations are met.