Glossary Terms

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Epigenetic

Changes to the way an organism expresses it’s DNA.  While these do happen naturally they can also be triggered by environmental exposures, including pesticides.  Epigenetic changes often occur following fetal exposure and can have serious health implications later in life.
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Epigenetics

The study of potentially heritable changes in gene expression (active versus inactive genes) that does not involve changes to the underlying DNA sequence — a change in phenotype without a change in genotype — which in turn affects how cells read the genes. (Definition credit:  http://www.whatisepigenetics.com/fundamentals/)
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Phenotype

The set of characteristics expressed in an individual organism based on the interaction of their genotype (their DNA) with the environment.
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Adjuvant

A compound added to pesticides and other agents that serves a purpose other than actively killing pests.  Adjuvants are used to alter some other property of the solution that enhances function such as how it penetrates and spreads, or the size and nature of the solution droplets.  Sufactants, emulsifiers, oils and salts are all common adjuvants.
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Emulsifier

A compound that bonds to oil and water and is used to help chemical solutions form a stable emulsion, or mixture.   Emulsifiers are often added to pesticide solutions.
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Surfectant

A compound that are added to chemical solutions, including pesticides, to lower the surface tension between two liquids or a liquid and a solid.  They can help a mixture blend together, foam up, or support better dispersion across a surface.
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Surfectants

Compounds that are added to chemical solutions, including pesticides, to lower the surface tension between two liquids or a liquid and a solid.  They can help a mixture blend together, foam up, or support better dispersion across a surface.
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Emulsifiers

Compounds that bond to oil and water that are added to chemical solutions to aid in the formation a stable emulsion, or mixture.   Emulsifiers are often added to pesticide solutions.
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Adjuvant

Compounds added to pesticides and other agents that serve a purpose other than actively killing pests.  Adjuvants are used to alter some other property of the solution that enhances function such as how it penetrates and spreads, or the size and nature of the solution droplets.  Sufactants, emulsifiers, oils and salts are all common adjuvants.