Where It Comes From
Spraying of fields, orchards, rights-of-way, and some home/garden products; residues can remain on treated plants and reach nearby water via runoff. [1][2]
How You Are Exposed
Eating foods with legal residues, drinking water near treated areas, breathing spray drift during applications, or skin contact when using products. Workers who mix, load, or apply have the highest exposure. [1][2]
Why It Matters
Short-term exposure may cause eye/skin irritation. Repeated high exposures in studies caused liver changes and anemia; no strong evidence of cancer in people, and EPA/WHO do not expect it to be carcinogenic at normal exposure levels. [1][2][3]
Who Is at Risk
Agricultural handlers/applicators and people near active spraying. [1][2]
How to Lower Your Exposure
Follow product labels and re-entry times; wear protective gear if applying; keep children and pets away until sprays dry; close windows during nearby spraying; rinse or scrub produce under running water. [1][2][3]
References
- [1]U.S. EPA. Sethoxydim: Human Health Risk Assessment for Registration Review. OPP, 2014. Docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2008-0633. https://www.regulations.gov/docket/EPA-HQ-OPP-2008-0633
- [2]U.S. EPA. Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for Sethoxydim. 1998.
- [3]FAO/WHO JMPR. Sethoxydim. Pesticide residues in food—1997 evaluations. https://www.inchem.org/documents/jmpr/jmpmono/v97pr09.htm