Where It Comes From
Former soil-applied pesticide (trade name Dyfonate) used mainly in agriculture; residues may persist in agricultural soils and nearby water [2].
How You Are Exposed
Contact with contaminated soil or dust during field work, mixing/applying pesticides, or from private well water near treated fields; food is a less common source [2][3].
Why It Matters
Can cause headache, sweating, nausea, vomiting, pinpoint pupils, weakness; severe poisoning may lead to breathing trouble, seizures, or death [1][3].
Who Is at Risk
Farmworkers and pesticide applicators; families near treated fields; children, due to hand-to-mouth behaviors and developing nervous systems [2][3].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Follow label and worker-safety rules; use gloves and respiratory protection when handling pesticides; avoid tracking soil indoors; wash hands and produce; test private well water if you live near historical application areas; seek medical care immediately if poisoning is suspected [3][2].
References
- [1]U.S. EPA. Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS): Fonofos (CASRN 944-22-9).
- [2]WHO/FAO Joint Meeting on Pesticide Residues (JMPR) Evaluations: Fonofos.
- [3]U.S. EPA. Recognition and Management of Pesticide Poisonings (Organophosphates).