What is a negative consequence associated with highly persistent pesticides?

Highly persistent pesticides are designed to remain active in the environment for an extended period. This characteristic increases the risk of environmental contamination, as these substances can accumulate in soil and water systems, affect non-target organisms, and persist long after their intended application period. The longer a pesticide remains in the environment, the greater the chance it has to leach into groundwater, contribute to runoff, or accumulate in the food chain, potentially leading to harmful effects on ecosystems and human health. Thus, the likelihood of environmental contamination is significantly heightened with the use of highly persistent pesticides, making it a critical concern in pesticide management practices.