Why is exposure concentration significant in fumigation?

Exposure concentration is significant in fumigation primarily because it is directly related to both the effectiveness of pest control and the safety of the application. In fumigation, the concentration of the active ingredient is critical for ensuring that it reaches a level sufficient to eradicate the targeted pests. Insufficient concentration may result in incomplete control, while excessive concentration could pose health risks to humans and non-target organisms. Therefore, understanding and managing exposure concentration allows for a balance between achieving effective pest management while ensuring safety standards are met.

The other options, while relevant to fumigation, do not directly capture the core significance of exposure concentration. For instance, the cost of treatment depends on various factors including but not limited to the concentration, but it is not fundamentally tied to the concept of exposure. Likewise, while exposure concentration can influence the duration of fumigation, it is not the primary reason for its significance—rather, it's the efficacy and safety that are paramount. Finally, exposure concentration does not measure temperature; temperature is a separate variable that can influence the rate of chemical reactions and the behavior of gases during fumigation but is not directly reliant on the concept of exposure concentration itself.