Which effect can result from systemic pesticide exposure?

Systemic pesticide exposure refers to when a pesticide is absorbed into an organism and then translocates throughout its system, affecting not just the site of application but also distant sites within the organism. This trait allows systemic pesticides to effectively control pests that are not directly contacted during application.

For instance, when a plant is treated with a systemic pesticide, the chemical can move through the plant's vascular system, affecting insects that feed on various parts of the plant, including areas that are not externally treated. This means that the impact of the pesticide can be felt far away from where it was initially applied, as it acts on pests that interact with the entire plant or organism over time.

In contrast, local skin irritation and illness at the entry point are typically associated with contact exposure, where symptoms are localized to the area where the pesticide made contact. Similarly, allergic reactions can occur due to direct exposure, but they do not necessarily reflect systemic effects. Thus, the primary distinguishing factor about systemic exposure is its ability to cause effects at distant sites within the organism, making this understanding crucial for safely managing pesticide applications.