Final answer:
The toxicity of a pesticide refers to its ability to cause harm or injury. Chronic effects from long-term low-level exposure are concerning, particularly with persistent organic pollutants that accumulate in the food chain and in environmental media like water. Diagnosis of such toxicity may involve testing biological samples.
Step-by-step explanation:
The toxicity of a pesticide is defined as its capacity to cause injury. Pesticides can be toxic due to their ability to cause acute or chronic health effects. In the case of acute toxicity, symptoms appear quickly after exposure and can be severe, often occurring with high-level exposure in settings like manufacturing and agricultural fields.
Chronic toxicity, on the other hand, results from long-term low-level exposure, which can come from pesticide residues in food, water, and the environment. This type of exposure is more common in developed countries and can lead to serious health problems over time. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is option D. Its capacity to cause injury.
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs), such as DDT, are known to be toxic and can accumulate in higher trophic levels of the food chain, leading to increased risks for those exposed over time.
The contamination of drinking water with toxic chemicals such as arsenic is also a cause for concern, with poisonings often resulting from accidental exposure. Arsenic, for instance, alters enzyme function and can be diagnosed through testing biological samples.