What is the term for a pesticide's ability to cause short-term or long-term injury?

Toxicity refers to the degree to which a substance can harm living organisms. In the context of pesticides, it specifically denotes a pesticide's ability to cause short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic) health effects in humans, animals, and non-target organisms. Understanding toxicity is vital for determining how dangerous a pesticide may be under various exposure scenarios, including its potential effects on the environment and human health.

Factors that influence toxicity include the chemical nature of the pesticide, the dosage (amount), the route of exposure (inhalation, skin contact, ingestion), and the specific organism affected. Therefore, this term encompasses both the immediate harmful effects and the potential for longer-lasting consequences, making it an essential concept in the study and application of pest control methods.