Where It Comes From
Past pesticide applications; in the U.S., all product registrations were canceled in 1999, though it may still be used elsewhere [1].
How You Are Exposed
Skin contact or inhalation during mixing or applying; contact with recently treated soil or turf; accidental swallowing of contaminated dust, soil, or water [2][3].
Why It Matters
Can cause headache, dizziness, sweating, nausea, vomiting, pinpoint pupils, and weakness; severe cases can lead to breathing problems, seizures, or death. Repeated exposures may cause longer-lasting nerve and mood/attention effects [2][3].
Who Is at Risk
Pesticide applicators and groundskeepers; people near treated areas; children and pets playing on recently treated turf [2][3].
How to Lower Your Exposure
In the U.S., avoid old/illegal stocks; follow product labels and re-entry intervals; keep kids and pets off treated areas until allowed; use protective gear when handling pesticides; wash hands/clothes after possible contact; seek medical care promptly if symptoms occur [1][2][3].
References
- [1]U.S. EPA. Isofenphos; Product Cancellation Order. Federal Register 64 FR 36722–36727 (July 7, 1999).
- [2]U.S. EPA. Recognition and Management of Pesticide Poisonings, 7th ed. Organophosphate insecticides (2023).
- [3]ATSDR. Case Studies in Environmental Medicine: Cholinesterase Inhibitors (2013, updated).