What is particle drift?

Particle drift refers to the phenomenon where small droplets or particles formed during the application of pesticides are carried away from the intended target area by wind or air currents. This movement can lead to unintended exposure to nearby plants, animals, or water sources, potentially causing environmental harm and regulatory violations. Understanding particle drift is crucial for applying pesticides safely and effectively, ensuring that application techniques minimize the risk of drift to non-target areas.

The other choices do not accurately define particle drift. The first option describes a concept limited to gaseous pesticides, which overlooks the broader nature of drift affecting liquid applications. The third option incorrectly characterizes particle drift as a method for increasing particle size; it does not address the actual definition of drift. Lastly, the fourth option suggests containment of pesticide drift, which is a regulatory concept but does not define what particle drift actually is.