The hazard of a pesticide is described as its potential to:

The hazard of a pesticide refers specifically to its potential to cause harm to people, animals, or the environment. This consideration is crucial in the application and regulation of pesticides, as it encompasses the effects they may have on health and ecosystems. Understanding this hazard allows applicators and users to assess the risks associated with using a particular pesticide and to implement necessary safety measures to mitigate those risks.

Improving crop yield, increasing efficiency in pest control, and reducing costs of pest management are all beneficial outcomes that can result from the thoughtful and responsible use of pesticides. However, these outcomes do not address the inherent risks associated with pesticide use, which is why they do not describe the pesticide's hazard. Recognizing the hazard is essential for ensuring safe application practices and protecting human health and the environment from potential adverse effects.