Where It Comes From
Agricultural herbicide applied to fields; runoff and spray drift can carry it to nearby water and air [1][2].
How You Are Exposed
Eating treated produce, drinking contaminated well or surface water near farms, or handling/mixing it at work [1][2].
Why It Matters
Short-term exposure may irritate eyes/skin and cause nausea or dizziness; animal studies show liver and thyroid effects at higher doses. There’s no conclusive evidence of cancer in humans [1][2][3].
Who Is at Risk
Farmworkers and applicators; people living near treated fields; private well users in farming areas; infants and pregnant people may be more susceptible to toxic effects [2][3].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Wash and peel produce; follow labels and wear protective gear at work; check your water’s Consumer Confidence Report or test private wells; consider certified home filters (e.g., activated carbon or reverse osmosis) [2][5][6].
References
- [1]US EPA. Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for Prometryn. EPA 738-R-96-023. 1996.
- [2]US EPA. Prometryn: Human Health Risk Assessment for Registration Review. Office of Pesticide Programs. 2018.
- [3]WHO/FAO Joint Meeting on Pesticide Residues (JMPR). Prometryn evaluation (toxicology and residues). 2007.
- [4]US EPA. Consumer Confidence Reports (CCR) for Drinking Water. https://www.epa.gov/ccr
- [5]CDC. Choosing Home Water Filters. https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/home-water-treatment/household-water-treatment.html