Where It Comes From
Forms when terbufos oxidizes in soil, plants, water, and in animals; it is included in regulatory residue definitions for crops treated with terbufos [1][3].
How You Are Exposed
Handling or applying terbufos; re-entering treated fields; pesticide drift to nearby homes; contact with contaminated soil or dust; eating food with residues; drinking affected well water near treated fields [1][2][3].
Why It Matters
Overexposure can cause headache, dizziness, sweating, nausea, blurred vision, muscle twitching, and at high doses breathing trouble or seizures; repeated low doses can depress cholinesterase levels [1][2].
Who Is at Risk
Pesticide applicators and farmworkers; people living or working near treated fields; children and pregnant people; anyone not using protective gear during applications [1][2].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Follow label directions and wear PPE; respect restricted‑entry intervals; keep children and pets away from treated areas; wash and peel produce; test and treat private well water in agricultural areas [1][2][3].
References
- [1]U.S. EPA. Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for Terbufos. EPA 738-R-06-008. 2006.
- [2]U.S. EPA. Terbufos: Human Health Risk Assessment for Registration Review. Office of Pesticide Programs. 2016–2017.
- [3]WHO/FAO JMPR. Terbufos: Evaluations and residue definitions including sulfoxide and sulfone metabolites. Joint FAO/WHO Meeting on Pesticide Residues.