What is a potential risk associated with pesticides?

High levels of pesticide exposure are indeed associated with various health complications, which can affect both humans and animals. Some of these complications may include respiratory issues, skin irritation, neurological problems, and even long-term effects such as cancer or developmental disorders in children. The risk increases significantly with improper application or excessive use of pesticides, which can lead to higher concentrations in the environment and potential bioaccumulation in the food chain.

The other options present inaccuracies or misleading statements. While pesticides can be safer when purchased from licensed retailers, this does not inherently guarantee safety, especially if misused. Pesticides do degrade over time, but the rates of degradation can vary widely depending on the specific chemical composition and environmental factors. Lastly, the assertion that pesticides cannot harm non-target wildlife disregards well-documented instances where pesticide runoff has severely impacted various species, leading to declines in biodiversity and ecological imbalances.