Final answer:
The main factor that causes pesticide drift is droplet size and direction of release. When pesticides are applied, they are usually atomized into small droplets, which can be easily carried away by the wind. This can lead to unintended exposure and contamination in neighboring areas.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main factor that causes pesticide drift is droplet size and direction of release.
When pesticides are applied, they are usually atomized into small droplets in order to cover a larger area. However, these droplets can be easily carried away by the wind, leading to pesticide drift. The direction of release also plays a significant role, as pesticides released against the wind are more likely to drift.
For example, if a farmer sprays a pesticide on a windy day, the small droplets can be carried off-target and onto neighboring fields or even residential areas, causing unintended exposure to people, animals, and the environment.