Where It Comes From
Sprayed on crops; residues on treated produce; breakdown in soil/water to ETU; spray drift to nearby air and surfaces [1][2].
How You Are Exposed
Eating produce with residues; skin or breathing exposure during mixing or spraying; breathing drift or dust near treated fields [1].
Why It Matters
Short-term exposure can irritate skin and eyes; repeated or high doses can affect the thyroid. ETU causes thyroid and developmental effects in animals. Cancer evidence in humans is inadequate; IARC classifies zineb as “not classifiable” (Group 3) [1][2][4].
Who Is at Risk
Farmworkers and applicators; people living near treated fields; pregnant people, infants, and those with thyroid disease [1][2].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Wash and rub produce under running water; peel or discard outer leaves; follow label directions and reentry intervals; use protective gear when handling; stay indoors during nearby spraying; wash work clothes separately [1][3].
References
- [1]ATSDR. ToxFAQs: Ethylenebisdithiocarbamates (EBDCs: maneb, mancozeb, zineb). https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/
- [2]ATSDR. ToxFAQs: Ethylene Thiourea (ETU). https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/
- [3]EPA. Food and Pesticides: How to reduce exposure. https://www.epa.gov/safepestcontrol/food-and-pesticides
- [4]IARC Monographs. List of Classifications: Zineb (Group 3). https://monographs.iarc.who.int/list-of-classifications/