The capacity of a pesticide to cause short-term or long-term injury is referred to as its:

The term that refers to the capacity of a pesticide to cause short-term or long-term injury is toxicity. Toxicity specifically describes the inherent harmful effects of a substance, indicating how harmful it can be to organisms when they are exposed to it. This includes any adverse effects that could be experienced immediately or as a result of prolonged exposure over time.

Understanding toxicity is crucial for home inspectors when evaluating the safe use of pesticides. It's essential to recognize that the level of toxicity can vary significantly among different pesticides, influencing how they should be handled and applied to minimize harm to people, pets, and the environment.

While the other terms involve aspects of pesticide safety, they do not accurately capture the specific concept of the harmful nature of a substance. For instance, exposure refers to the amount of pesticide that comes into contact with an organism, while risk pertains to the likelihood of harm occurring from that exposure. Hazard relates to the potential for a substance to cause harm but does not necessarily include the measure of severity as toxicity does. Therefore, toxicity serves as the most appropriate choice in this context, as it directly addresses the harmful effects and potential injuries associated with pesticide use.