What do pesticide residues refer to?

Pesticide residues refer to the remnants of pesticides that may remain on plants, animals, or soil after the application of the pesticide. This concept is critical in discussions about food safety, environmental health, and agricultural practices. Residues can come from both the active ingredients of the pesticide, which are designed to control pests, as well as from other inert substances used in the formulation. Understanding pesticide residues is essential for assessing potential exposure to chemicals through consumption or environmental contact, leading to ongoing regulations and testing methods to ensure safety.

The options describing newly applied pesticides, the active ingredient in pesticides, or pesticides that are easily biodegradable do not capture the essence of what pesticide residues are. These focus on different aspects of pesticides rather than the presence of chemical remnants after use.