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Types of DriftPesticide drift occurs as vapor drift and droplet or spray drift.
Vapor drift
The active ingredient of some pesticides can evaporate or volatilize during application or for several hours afterward. When vapor containing the pesticide active ingredient moves off the application site, it may cause plant damage, contamination or human health risks. Volatility is based on the vapor pressure of the pesticide, and in general higher air temperatures increase the probability of vapor drift. Read the pesticide label for specific procedures and warnings, such as maximum temperatures or soil incorporation requirements, to reduce the potential for vapor drift. An example of a label warning statement would be: "avoid application when temperatures may exceed 85° F during or 24 hours following the application."
Droplet Drift
Most pesticide drift occurs when small droplets of pesticide spray move from the application area during or soon after the application. Small droplets are more likely to drift than larger droplets. A number of factors influence droplet size: product selection, equipment choices, and weather conditions.
Ultimately it is the applicator's responsibility to understand the pesticide product, equipment set up, and weather conditions and their impact on pesticide drift when determining whether to spray or not to spray. |