When are pesticides typically the most dangerous?

Pesticides typically pose the highest risk in their concentrated form because this is when they contain the highest levels of active ingredients designed to combat pests. In this state, they have not yet been mixed with any other substances that would dilute their potency. Concentrated pesticides can lead to increased exposure risks for humans and non-target organisms if not handled properly. The chemicals are more likely to cause harm due to their high toxicity and potential for accidental spills or misapplication.

When pesticides are diluted, while they are still potentially hazardous, the risk is generally lowered because the active ingredient concentration is reduced. During application, while care is needed to avoid overexposure, many safety protocols are put in place to minimize risks. Storing pesticides also requires safety measures to prevent leaks or accidental ingestion, but the concentrated form remains the most hazardous state due to its potential for immediate and severe toxic effects.