Where It Comes From
Applied in agriculture, greenhouses, and landscape ornamentals; it can break down to methamidophos, a more toxic metabolite [1][2].
How You Are Exposed
Eating treated produce, breathing spray drift near applications, or getting it on skin during mixing, applying, or entering treated areas; drinking contaminated water is less common [1][2].
Why It Matters
Short-term exposure can cause headache, nausea, sweating, and weakness; high doses can trigger breathing problems or seizures. Repeated exposure can depress cholinesterase activity [1][2].
Who Is at Risk
Farmworkers and pesticide applicators, people living near treated fields, and infants/children because of developing nervous systems and hand-to-mouth behaviors [1][2].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Follow label directions and re-entry times; use protective gear if applying. Stay away during/soon after spraying. Wash fruits and vegetables under running water and remove outer leaves of leafy greens [1][3].
References
- [1]U.S. EPA. Acephate: Human Health Risk Assessment in Support of Registration Review. EPA-HQ-OPP-2008-0915 (2018/2020).
- [2]WHO/FAO JMPR. Acephate: toxicological evaluation (Pesticide residues in food, JMPR evaluations).
- [3]U.S. EPA. Food and Pesticides: How to reduce exposure (wash and prepare produce).