What does the term 'risk' refer to in the context of pesticide use?

In the context of pesticide use, the term 'risk' refers to the probability of adverse effects occurring as a result of exposure to the pesticide. This encompasses various factors, including how likely it is that harmful effects will occur in humans, non-target organisms, or the environment when the pesticide is applied. Understanding risk is crucial for ensuring that pesticides are used safely and effectively while minimizing potential harm.

In assessing risk, factors such as the toxicity of the pesticide, the method of application, environmental conditions, and exposure routes are considered. While aspects like effectiveness, cost, and application methods are important in evaluating pesticide use, they do not directly define the concept of risk in this context. Hence, the focus on the likelihood of negative outcomes effectively captures the essence of what risk means in pesticide application.