Where It Comes From
Applied to fields and orchards; breaks down slowly in soil and can leach to wells [2].
How You Are Exposed
Eating residues on treated crops, drinking contaminated private wells or surface water, handling or applying the product, or breathing spray drift near fields [1][2][3].
Why It Matters
Can irritate eyes and skin during handling; in animals, long-term dosing affected liver/thyroid; EPA has not identified terbacil as a likely human carcinogen. EPA sets a reference dose and water benchmarks to manage risk [1][2][3].
Who Is at Risk
Farmworkers/applicators; people living near treated fields; private-well users; infants/children; people with thyroid disease [1][2].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Follow the label and use protective gear when applying; avoid spray drift; wash and peel produce; review your water report or test private wells; consider certified activated carbon or reverse-osmosis filters for herbicides [1][3].
References
- [1]U.S. EPA, Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS): Terbacil (CASRN 5902-51-2).
- [2]U.S. EPA, Terbacil: Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) and Registration Review Human Health Risk Assessment.
- [3]U.S. EPA, Human Health Benchmarks for Pesticides in Water: Terbacil.