What is it called when a pesticide evaporates and moves off target?

The phenomenon where a pesticide evaporates and moves away from its intended target area is known as vapor drift. This process occurs when a pesticide that has volatilized forms vapor and then migrates with air currents, potentially affecting non-target areas and organisms. Understanding vapor drift is crucial for anyone applying pesticides, as it emphasizes the need for careful application strategies to minimize unintended exposure to humans, wildlife, and the environment.

In contrast to vapor drift, terms like volatile residue, airborne contamination, and gas dispersion do not specifically address the process of evaporation leading to off-target movement of pesticides. Volatile residue refers to the remnants left behind after a pesticide has evaporated, while airborne contamination generally pertains to the presence of pesticides in the air, which could include a variety of mechanisms of movement, not solely evaporation. Gas dispersion typically applies to the spread of gases in another context entirely. Thus, vapor drift is the most accurate term for this specific application-related concern.