Which statement about movement of pesticides from the application site is true?

The statement regarding runoff and erosion being sources of surface water contamination by pesticides is accurate because these processes can transport pesticides away from the application area. When it rains or during irrigation, water can carry pesticides that are not absorbed by plants or that have settled in the soil. Erosion can further dislodge these particles and move them to nearby surface water bodies, contributing to water pollution. Understanding this process is critical for home inspectors and those involved in pesticide application, as it emphasizes the importance of proper application techniques and considering environmental factors that may lead to contamination.

In contrast, statements about drift being seldom an issue with indoor applications, leaching as the main way pesticides move great distances, and drift being a major concern only for aerial applications do not accurately represent the broad context of pesticide movement. While drift can be less significant indoors, it is still a concern in some cases. Leaching is indeed a method of pesticide movement, but it does not typically account for the vast distances that runoff and erosion can impact. Similarly, drift is a concern not limited to aerial applications, as it can also occur with spray applications in various settings.