What is one of the primary effects of a pesticide that has high volatility?

A pesticide that has high volatility is capable of easily evaporating into the air under normal environmental conditions. This characteristic can lead to the generation of harmful vapors or gases. When volatile pesticides are applied, they can quickly transition from a liquid state to a gaseous state, increasing the risk of off-target drift, which can harm non-target plants, beneficial organisms, and even human health.

The production of vapors poses significant concerns regarding air quality and safety, particularly if these substances are inhaled or come into contact with sensitive environments. Therefore, proper management and application techniques are essential when working with highly volatile pesticides to minimize these risks and protect both people and the surrounding ecosystem.

In contrast, the other options do not directly relate to the primary concerns associated with high volatility. While absorption by plants and changes in leaf color can occur with certain pesticides, they are more reflective of the pesticide's formulation and mode of action rather than its volatility. Increased soil pH is typically related to soil chemistry and may arise from other factors, but it is not a direct effect of a pesticide's volatility.