What is a potential health risk associated with improper disposal of pesticides?

The correct choice highlights a significant health risk associated with improper disposal of pesticides: environmental contamination. When pesticides are disposed of incorrectly, they can leach into soil and water sources, affecting ecosystems and potentially entering the food chain. This contamination can have severe consequences for wildlife, plants, and human health. For instance, pollutants can harm aquatic life when they make their way into rivers and lakes and can compromise the quality of drinking water supplies, affecting communities.

The other options do not encapsulate the primary health risk related to the improper disposal of pesticides. Increased pest control costs may arise from environmental contamination but are not a health risk themselves. Exposure to beneficial insects is not directly connected to health risks for humans or the environment in the same way, and enhanced pesticide performance is not relevant to disposal practices. Overall, understanding the repercussions of improper pesticide disposal emphasizes the importance of following safety regulations and best practices in pesticide management.