Which condition increases volatility risk?

• A. High temperature and low humidity
• B. Low temperature and high humidity
• C. Moderate temperature and humidity
• D. High humidity and rainfall

Answer: (A)

Volatility risk is about how likely a pesticide is to evaporate and form a vapor that can drift away from the treated area. This tendency increases when conditions push more pesticide into the air. High temperatures give pesticide molecules more energy, making evaporation more likely. When the air is also low in humidity, it can absorb more of that vapor without becoming saturated, so the vapor can travel farther and linger in the atmosphere, raising the chance of off-target movement. In cooler or more humid conditions, evaporation slows and any vapor that is formed is more likely to stay near the surface or condense, reducing volatilization. So hot, dry conditions create the strongest volatility risk.