Where It Comes From
Applied in grain storage and food-processing facilities, and in indoor residual spraying programs for malaria control [2][3].
How You Are Exposed
Eating treated grain/food, breathing indoor air or dust after spraying, touching treated surfaces, or during mixing and application at work [1][3].
Why It Matters
Overexposure can cause headache, nausea, dizziness, sweating, and muscle twitching; severe cases may lead to breathing problems or seizures. Repeated exposure can depress cholinesterase and raise the risk of symptoms [1].
Who Is at Risk
Pest-control and grain workers; people in recently sprayed homes; children and pregnant people; anyone taking cholinesterase‑inhibiting medicines (for example, some dementia drugs) [1][4].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Follow labels and re‑entry/harvest intervals; ventilate and avoid treated areas until cleared; wash hands and launder work clothes separately; wash/peel produce; use proper PPE and medical monitoring if you work with organophosphates [1][4][5].
References
- [1]U.S. EPA. Recognition and Management of Pesticide Poisonings, 7th ed. 2023.
- [2]WHO. Indoor Residual Spraying for malaria vector control: operational guidance.
- [3]U.S. EPA. Pirimiphos‑methyl: Human Health Risk Assessment for Registration Review.
- [4]CDC/NIOSH. Organophosphate Pesticides—Safety and Health Topic.
- [5]U.S. EPA. Reduce Your Exposure to Pesticides (food and home guidance).