Where It Comes From
Agricultural and turf herbicide products; field spraying and mixing/loading; residues on treated crops; drift and runoff near fields [1][2].
How You Are Exposed
Breathing spray/drift, skin contact with treated plants or equipment, eating residues on food, or drinking contaminated well/surface water near treated areas [1][2].
Why It Matters
Short-term exposure can irritate eyes/skin and cause nausea or headache; repeated higher exposures have affected the liver and thyroid and caused developmental effects in animal studies [1][2].
Who Is at Risk
Pesticide applicators and field workers; people living or working near treated fields; pregnant people and young children; pets on recently treated lawns [1][2].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Follow label directions and wear protective gear; respect re-entry intervals; keep children/pets off treated areas until dry; close windows during nearby spraying; wash/rinse produce; test private well water near agriculture [1][2].
References
- [1]US EPA. Pesticide Reregistration Fact Sheet: Bromoxynil (includes octanoate esters). https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/reg_actions/reregistration/fs_PC-035501_1-Sep-98.pdf
- [2]FAO/WHO JMPR. Evaluations of bromoxynil and bromoxynil octanoate (toxicology/residues). http://www.inchem.org/pages/jmpr.html