Which statement correctly contrasts film-coated seeds with loose seed dust in terms of exposure and residue?

• A. Dust is heavy and cannot become airborne.
• B. Film coats have no effect on exposure.
• C. Film coats reduce dust and provide uniform residue; loose dust is prone to inhalation.
• D. Dust is heavy and cannot become airborne.

Answer: (C)

Exposure to seed treatment residues depends on how the material is presented. Film-coated seeds carry the active ingredient in a bound, continuous film around each seed, which greatly reduces the amount of loose particles that can become airborne during handling, planting, or processing. This bound coating also tends to produce a uniform residue on the seed surface, so exposure is more predictable and consistent across seeds. In contrast, loose seed dust comprises fine particles that can easily become airborne with minimal movement, wind, or agitation, leading to inhalation exposure and uneven environmental deposition. So the statement that film coats reduce dust and provide uniform residue, while loose dust is prone to inhalation, accurately contrasts exposure and residue between the two forms.