Where It Comes From
Sprayed on non-crop areas (rights-of-way, railroads, industrial sites) and certain crops; it breaks down slowly and can reach groundwater [1][2].
How You Are Exposed
Drinking water from private wells; skin/eye contact or breathing spray during application; touching treated soil/vegetation. Food residues are typically low [1][2].
Why It Matters
Short-term exposure can irritate eyes/skin and cause nausea or vomiting if swallowed. In animals, long-term high doses affected the liver, kidneys, and thyroid. EPA does not consider bromacil likely to cause cancer, but its tendency to reach groundwater is a key concern [1][2][3].
Who Is at Risk
Pesticide applicators and outdoor workers; people using shallow or vulnerable wells near treated land; children and pets that play on recently treated areas [1][2].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Follow posted re-entry times; keep kids/pets off treated areas until dry; wash hands and remove shoes after yardwork; rinse homegrown produce; if you use a private well near treated areas, test your water and consider activated carbon or reverse osmosis treatment certified for pesticide reduction [1][2][4].
References
- [1]ATSDR. ToxFAQs for Bromacil. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.
- [2]U.S. EPA. Bromacil: Human Health Risk Assessment for Registration Review. Office of Pesticide Programs.
- [3]U.S. EPA. Human Health Benchmarks for Pesticides (HHBP).
- [4]U.S. EPA. Guide to Drinking Water Treatment Technologies for Household Use.