What characterizes a general-use pesticide?

A general-use pesticide is characterized by its safety profile, which typically poses minimal risk to human health and the environment when used according to label instructions. This means they are formulated to be relatively safe for use by the general public, often in residential settings, and can be applied without needing specialized training.

Option B reflects this characteristic, emphasizing that general-use pesticides may pose little harm to the environment. The formulation and application of these products are designed to limit negative impacts, ensuring they can be safely used in various settings without significant risk of harming beneficial organisms or contaminating surrounding areas.

In contrast, other options describe characteristics that don't align with the traits of a general-use pesticide. For example, higher toxicity is associated with restricted-use pesticides, which require certification and a higher level of expertise to handle safely. Similarly, many herbicides can be general-use products, but not all general-use pesticides are herbicides. General-use pesticides can also encompass fungicides, insecticides, and other categories, so primarily classifying them as herbicides would be inaccurate. Moreover, the idea that they can only be used by professionals pertains to restricted-use pesticides, which require trained applicators and are subject to stricter regulations.