What is a potential outcome if an applicator does not follow pesticide label instructions properly?

When an applicator does not adhere to pesticide label instructions, one of the most significant potential outcomes is environmental harm. Pesticide labels are designed to ensure safe and effective use, detailing the appropriate rates, methods of application, and precautions necessary to minimize risks to the environment.

Failure to follow these instructions can result in several ecological consequences. For example, improper application may lead to runoff, where pesticides enter waterways, harming aquatic life and disrupting ecosystems. Additionally, using a higher than recommended dose can contaminate soil and water supplies, negatively affecting plant growth and wildlife. Such practices can also lead to the development of pesticide resistance in pests, creating long-term challenges in pest management.

The other options, while they may seem desirable, do not reflect the dangers of not following label instructions. Increased application efficiency and decreased personal exposure are unlikely outcomes if pesticides are misapplied, and pest control effectiveness can directly decline as a result of improper usage.