Where It Comes From
Herbicide products applied to roadsides, rail lines, industrial sites, and some crops (e.g., citrus, pineapple) [1][2].
How You Are Exposed
Drinking contaminated well water; skin contact with treated soil; eating produce with residues (usually low); breathing spray drift near applications [1][2].
Why It Matters
Short-term exposure can irritate skin/eyes or cause nausea if swallowed; high, longer-term doses in animals affected liver, thyroid, and kidneys. It’s mobile in soil and can reach groundwater [1][2].
Who Is at Risk
Pesticide applicators/workers; people living near treated rights‑of‑way or industrial sites; households using shallow or sandy‑soil wells; children and pets on recently treated areas [1][2].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Follow posted re‑entry times; keep kids/pets off treated areas; wash hands and rinse/peel produce; test private wells if near treated land; workers should use label‑required PPE and avoid drift [1][2].
References
- [1]ATSDR. ToxFAQs for Bromacil. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.
- [2]EPA. Bromacil: Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED). U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2008.