What does the term "toxicity" refer to in relation to pesticides?

The term "toxicity" specifically refers to a pesticide's capacity to cause harm or adverse effects to an organism. This can encompass a range of effects, from mild irritations to severe health impacts or even death, depending on the pesticide's chemical composition and the exposure level. Understanding toxicity is vital for safe pesticide application, as it helps determine the appropriate measures necessary to protect human health, wildlife, and beneficial organisms from potential harm.

The effectiveness of a pesticide relates to how well it performs its intended function, such as controlling pests or weeds; it does not inherently convey information about its safety. Environmental impact pertains to the broader ecological consequences of pesticide use, including effects on non-target species and ecosystems, which is a separate consideration from toxicity itself. Lastly, costs and benefits of pesticides involve economic evaluations rather than direct biological effects, making it an unrelated concept to toxicity.