What term refers to the movement of pesticides through the air to non-target areas?

The term that refers to the movement of pesticides through the air to non-target areas is "drift." Drift occurs when small droplets of pesticide or vapor are carried away from the application site by wind or air currents, leading to potential environmental contamination and exposure to non-target organisms, such as wildlife or humans. Understanding drift is crucial for pesticide applicators to ensure they are applying chemicals responsibly and effectively, minimizing the risk to surrounding areas, crops, and ecosystems.

The other terms, while related to various chemical processes, do not accurately describe the phenomenon of airborne movement of pesticides. Destruction refers to the complete breakdown of substances, distillation is a method for separating components based on their boiling points, and dilution involves reducing the concentration of a substance by adding a solvent or another substance, none of which convey the concept of unintentional airborne movement.