How would you determine if the pesticide you are using is prone to volatilization?

• A. Ask a coworker
• B. Check the label for volatilization information
• C. Look at price
• D. Assume based on color

Answer: (B)

Volatilization is the tendency of a pesticide to vaporize and move off of the target area as a gas. To judge how prone a product is to volatilization, you look to the label, because it contains product-specific information about how volatile it is and any restrictions to minimize vapor drift. The label may indicate vapor pressure or include a volatility warning, and it will outline conditions or practices to reduce volatilization risk—such as temperature limits, time of day, formulation notes, and any adjuvant or application restrictions. Relying on the label ensures you have the official guidance for that product and how it behaves in real-use conditions.

Relying on a coworker, price, or color doesn’t provide reliable or relevant information about how easily a pesticide will volatilize, so those cues aren’t appropriate sources.