What term describes the capacity of a pesticide to cause short-term acute or long-term chronic injury?

The term that describes the capacity of a pesticide to cause short-term acute or long-term chronic injury is "toxicity." Toxicity refers to the degree to which a substance can harm humans, animals, or the environment. It is an essential concept in pesticide application because understanding the toxicity of a pesticide helps applicators evaluate its potential impact and safe usage.

Toxicity encompasses both acute effects, which occur shortly after exposure to a pesticide, and chronic effects, which may manifest after prolonged exposure over time. This differentiation is crucial in assessing the overall safety and risk associated with pesticide use, influencing how pesticides are handled and applied to minimize harm.

In contrast, potency relates to the strength of a pesticide's effects but does not directly address the nature or duration of injury. Effectiveness pertains to how well a pesticide achieves its intended purpose, such as controlling pests, rather than its harmful properties. Frequency refers to how often a pesticide is applied or how often exposure occurs, which does not directly relate to the capacity for injury. Therefore, toxicity is the most appropriate term for evaluating the harmful effects associated with pesticide exposure.