Which statement about sensitivity areas is true?

• A. Pesticide labels may list special precautions around sensitive areas
• B. Sensitive areas require no precautions listed on labels
• C. Only agricultural lands have sensitive areas
• D. All pesticides ignore sensitive areas

Answer: (A)

Pesticide labels set protections for sensitive areas to prevent harm from drift, runoff, and exposure. The statement that is true is that pesticide labels may list special precautions around sensitive areas. Labels often specify setback distances, drift minimization measures, timing or application method restrictions, and other steps designed to shield nearby people, homes, schools, water sources, and habitats from unintended exposure. Following these labeled precautions is mandatory because the label is the legal instruction for use.

The idea that there are no precautions, or that only agricultural lands have sensitive areas, or that all pesticides ignore sensitive areas, isn’t accurate. Labels commonly require actions to protect sensitive areas, and many pesticides have specific restrictions to prevent harm to non-target places and organisms.