Where It Comes From
Mainly from agricultural use as a nitrification inhibitor mixed with anhydrous ammonia or urea–ammonium nitrate (UAN) fertilizers on row crops [1].
How You Are Exposed
Mixing, loading, or applying treated fertilizer; spray or vapor drift near fields; touching recently treated soil; private wells near treated fields if contamination occurs [1][2].
Why It Matters
Short-term exposure can cause eye/skin and throat/respiratory irritation; ingestion can cause nausea and vomiting. It is also toxic to aquatic life if spilled to water [2].
Who Is at Risk
Farmworkers and applicators; people living or working next to treated fields; children; individuals with asthma or skin conditions may be more sensitive to irritants [1][3].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Follow label directions and re-entry intervals; applicators use PPE (gloves, eye/face protection, respirators if required); keep kids and pets off treated areas until allowed; close windows and stay indoors during nearby applications; prevent runoff; if you rely on a private well near treated fields, test your water regularly [1][3].
References
- [1]U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Nitrapyrin (PC Code 100801) — Registration Review: Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessments and Fact Sheets.
- [2]NIH PubChem. Nitrapyrin — Compound Summary (hazard information and uses).
- [3]Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), NIOSH. Preventing pesticide-related illnesses in agricultural workers; PPE guidance.