Where It Comes From
Agricultural use on cereals, oilseeds, and post-harvest grain treatments; residues can occur in soil, dust, and water near treated areas [1][2].
How You Are Exposed
Eating treated foods; breathing or touching contaminated air or dust during or after application; occupational mixing, loading, or applying products [1][3].
Why It Matters
Short-term exposure can cause headache, nausea, sweating, and dizziness; high doses may lead to breathing trouble and seizures. Repeated exposure can depress cholinesterase and affect the nervous system [1][2][3].
Who Is at Risk
Farmworkers, applicators, and grain handlers; children and pregnant people; individuals with lower detoxification capacity (e.g., low PON1 activity) [2][3].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Follow label directions and re-entry intervals; use protective gear; keep children and pets away from treated areas; ventilate storage areas; wash hands and rinse produce; consider integrated pest management and safer alternatives [1][3].
References
- [1]U.S. EPA. Chlorpyrifos-methyl: Human Health Risk Assessment for Registration Review. Office of Pesticide Programs; 2014.
- [2]WHO/FAO JMPR. Chlorpyrifos-methyl: Toxicological evaluation (Pesticide Residues in Food—1996 Evaluations). World Health Organization; 1996.
- [3]ATSDR. ToxFAQs: Organophosphate Insecticides. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry; 2021.