Where It Comes From
Pre‑emergent herbicide applied to soil; runoff and leaching can carry acetochlor and its breakdown products (ESA, OA) into streams and wells [1][2].
How You Are Exposed
Handling or spraying on farms; spray drift and contact with treated soil; drinking private‑well or small‑system water in agricultural regions; trace food residues [1][2].
Why It Matters
Can irritate eyes/skin; high or repeated exposures in studies affected the liver and thyroid. EPA identifies potential cancer risk based on animal data [2].
Who Is at Risk
Farmers and applicators; people living near treated fields; infants, children, and pregnant people; private‑well users in farm areas [2].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Follow label directions and wear PPE when mixing/applying; keep children/pets off treated areas until dry; close windows during nearby spraying; test private wells for pesticides; use certified granular activated carbon or reverse osmosis if needed; rinse produce [2][3].
References
- [1]U.S. EPA. Pesticide Fact Sheet: Acetochlor. Office of Pesticide Programs, 1994.
- [2]U.S. EPA. Acetochlor: Human Health Risk Assessment in Support of Registration Review. Office of Pesticide Programs.
- [3]U.S. EPA. Drinking Water Treatability Database: Acetochlor. Office of Water.