What term describes the movement of pesticides through the air to areas not intended for treatment?

Drift refers to the unintentional movement of pesticides through the air, away from the target application area, to non-target sites. This can occur during the application process when wind or air currents carry pesticide particles or droplets to unintended locations, potentially impacting surrounding flora, fauna, or even waterways. Understanding drift is critical for pesticide applicators to minimize environmental harm and comply with safety regulations.

Leaching, on the other hand, involves the downward movement of pesticides through the soil, often reaching groundwater. Volatilization is the process by which pesticides turn into vapor after application, which can also contribute to off-target movement but not specifically through airborne transport. Advection describes the horizontal movement of substances within a fluid, which doesn't directly relate to pesticide application techniques. Thus, drift is the most appropriate term for airborne movement to unintended areas.