Where It Comes From
Applied in agriculture to control grassy weeds in broadleaf crops; degrades in plants and soil to quizalofop acid [1][2].
How You Are Exposed
Eating residues on treated crops, being near fields during spraying (drift), handling/mixing/applying products at work, and, less commonly, runoff to drinking water [1][2].
Why It Matters
Short-term eye/skin irritation; at high doses in animals, liver and developmental effects were seen. EPA has not identified increased cancer in available studies at expected exposures [1][2].
Who Is at Risk
Farmworkers and applicators; people living/working near treated fields; children and pregnant people may be more susceptible to effects [1][2].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Follow label directions and re-entry intervals; use protective gear when applying; stay away during and shortly after spraying; wash/peel produce; keep kids/pets off treated areas until dry; follow local water/air advisories [1][2].
References
- [1]U.S. EPA. Quizalofop-P-ethyl: Human Health Draft Risk Assessment for Registration Review. 2018. https://www.epa.gov/pesticides
- [2]WHO/FAO JMPR. Quizalofop-ethyl and quizalofop-P-ethyl. Pesticide Residues in Food – 1993 Evaluations (Toxicology). https://inchem.org (IPCS/INCHEM)