Where It Comes From
Past agricultural uses (sprays, seed treatments, turf); degrades to carbendazim; some uses continue outside the U.S. [1][3].
How You Are Exposed
Eating contaminated produce; skin contact or inhalation when mixing/applying; contact with treated soil or dust; handling old products [1][2][3].
Why It Matters
Can irritate eyes/skin; animal studies show testicular damage and birth defects at certain doses; cancer evidence in humans is inadequate/not classifiable [1][2][4].
Who Is at Risk
Farmworkers and applicators; people living near treated fields; pregnant people and young children; anyone using old stockpiles [2][3].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Avoid using old benomyl products; wash/peel produce; keep kids off recently treated areas; follow label/PPE and drift controls at work [1][2][3].
References
- [1]WHO IPCS. Environmental Health Criteria: Benomyl. World Health Organization.
- [2]US EPA. IRIS: Benomyl (CASRN 17804-35-2).
- [3]US EPA. Benomyl pesticide fact sheets and U.S. cancellation notice.
- [4]IARC Monographs. Benomyl and carbendazim: not classifiable (Group 3). International Agency for Research on Cancer.