Where It Comes From
A selective herbicide applied to rice and some other crops; it breaks down to 3,4‑dichloroaniline and can reach streams and ponds via runoff [1][2].
How You Are Exposed
Handling or spraying (skin contact, inhalation); spray drift; contaminated surface water or private wells near treated fields; residues on food within legal limits [1][2].
Why It Matters
Short-term exposure can cause headache, dizziness, bluish skin and breathing trouble from methemoglobinemia; repeated high exposures have affected liver and kidneys in animals; toxic to aquatic life [1][2].
Who Is at Risk
Pesticide applicators and field workers; people living next to treated fields; infants/children and those with anemia, heart, or lung disease may be more sensitive to low oxygen [1][2].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Workers—follow labels, wear chemical-resistant gloves, coveralls, and eye/respiratory protection. Residents—avoid drift, close windows during spraying, wash produce, use certified carbon or reverse osmosis water filters if water is impacted; check local advisories [1][2].
References
- [1]WHO/FAO Joint Meeting on Pesticide Residues (JMPR). Propanil: toxicological evaluation and residue data. Pesticide Residues in Food. World Health Organization/Food and Agriculture Organization.
- [2]U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for Propanil. Office of Pesticide Programs, 2003.