What does high toxicity of a pesticide indicate?

High toxicity of a pesticide indicates that it may cause significant harm with small exposures. When a pesticide has high toxicity, even a minimal amount can lead to adverse effects on humans, animals, or the environment. This aspect of toxicity is critical for understanding how to handle, apply, and store pesticides safely.

For instance, certain chemicals can be lethal with just small doses, making it essential for applicators to follow safety protocols, use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and adhere to label instructions to mitigate risks. This characteristic differentiates highly toxic substances from those that might be safer, requiring more substantial exposure to experience harmful effects.