What factor increases the possibility of pesticide drift?

The possibility of pesticide drift is significantly increased by the presence of small droplets. When pesticides are applied, the size of the droplets can influence their behavior in the air. Small droplets typically remain airborne for a longer period because they are lighter and can be carried by wind currents much more easily than larger droplets, which tend to fall to the ground more quickly.

When small droplets are created, such as through high-pressure systems or certain application techniques, they can become susceptible to air movement, resulting in drift away from the targeted area. This is particularly concerning when applying pesticides near sensitive areas like residential properties, water bodies, or organic farms.

In contrast, larger droplets are less likely to drift because they have a greater mass and settle to the ground more quickly. High-pressure systems can also affect droplet size and movement, but the key factor in promoting drift is the size of the droplets themselves. Extreme weather conditions, like those during a hurricane, would result in unpredictable conditions, but this scenario is less applicable in a controlled pesticide application context when discussing drift potential.