Where It Comes From
Post‑harvest coatings/dips on citrus and bananas; seed treatments for some grains; use in packinghouses and storage areas. [1][3]
How You Are Exposed
Eating treated fruit (especially peel/zest), handling treated produce, or workplace mixing/spraying in packinghouses; drinking water is not a common source. [1]
Why It Matters
Short‑term exposure can irritate eyes/skin. In animals, high doses affected liver/adrenal glands and development; some studies found tumors. Regulators set residue limits to protect consumers. [1][2][3]
Who Is at Risk
Packinghouse/field workers; people who frequently zest or handle citrus peels; infants and children (higher intake per body weight); pregnant workers; people with liver disease. [1][2]
How to Lower Your Exposure
Rinse fruit under running water; peel citrus before eating; avoid zesting waxed/treated peels or choose organic for zest; follow workplace labels, PPE, and ventilation. [1]
References
- [1]U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Imazalil (Enilconazole): Human Health Risk Assessment for Registration Review. Office of Pesticide Programs.
- [2]WHO/FAO Joint Meeting on Pesticide Residues (JMPR). Imazalil (Enilconazole): Toxicological and residue evaluations.
- [3]U.S. EPA. Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for Imazalil. Office of Pesticide Programs.