Which characteristic is crucial for determining the safety of a pesticide?

Toxicity is a fundamental characteristic in assessing the safety of a pesticide. It refers to the potential of a substance to cause harm to organisms, including humans, wildlife, and beneficial insects. Understanding the toxicity of a pesticide involves evaluating its active ingredients, the routes of exposure (such as inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion), and the effect it may have on non-target organisms. Risk assessments are often conducted to determine safe application rates, protective measures, and any necessary environmental considerations.

The other factors, while important in different contexts, do not directly inform about the safety of the pesticide itself. Cost relates to the economic feasibility of using a product, availability pertains to whether the product can be accessed when needed, and market demand is associated with consumer behavior and preferences for certain products. These aspects may influence decisions made in agricultural practices but do not affect the inherent safety of a pesticide as determined by its toxicity.