Where It Comes From
Agricultural use on crops; degradation of metiram and related fungicides in soil and on produce can form ETU [1][2].
How You Are Exposed
Eating produce with residues, breathing spray drift near fields, skin contact during mixing or application, and potentially drinking water near treated areas [1][2].
Why It Matters
ETU can disrupt thyroid hormones and has shown developmental effects and thyroid tumors in animals; metiram and EBDCs can also irritate skin/eyes and cause allergic reactions in workers [1][2][3].
Who Is at Risk
Farmworkers and pesticide applicators; people living near treated fields; pregnant people, infants, and anyone with thyroid disease [1][2].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Wash and peel produce; follow local spraying notices and stay away from fields during and after application; respect re-entry intervals; use protective gear if you work with pesticides; consider buying produce with lower pesticide residues when possible; test private well water if near intensive agriculture [1][2].
References
- [1]U.S. EPA. Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for Ethylene bisdithiocarbamates (EBDCs): includes metiram. Office of Pesticide Programs.
- [2]WHO/FAO Joint Meeting on Pesticide Residues (JMPR). Metiram and ethylenethiourea (ETU) evaluations.
- [3]U.S. EPA Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS): Ethylenethiourea (ETU).