What does the term 'risk' in pesticide application refer to?

The term 'risk' in pesticide application specifically refers to the chance of a pesticide causing adverse effects. This encompasses not only the potential harm to the target pests but also the possible negative impacts on human health and the environment. Risk assessment involves evaluating factors such as the toxicity of the pesticide, the exposure levels for users and non-target organisms, and the likelihood of environmental contamination. Understanding this concept is crucial for ensuring safe and effective pesticide usage while also protecting human health and ecological integrity.