CHLORPYRIFOS: HUMAN HEALTH EFFECTS

Individuals can be exposed to chlorpyrifos by breathing in air where chlorpyrifos were applied, having skin-to-skin contact with soil or crops that were treated with the pesticide, ingesting food that was contaminated with chlorpyrifos, or drinking contaminated water.

Breathing or ingesting chlorpyrifos may result in severe nervous system effects, including headaches, blurred vision, and salivation to seizures, coma, or even death. The level of intensity will depend on the amount and length of exposure to chlorpyrifos.

Due to these adverse health effects, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) revoked all chlorpyrifos tolerances, prohibiting its use on food. This ban officially went into effect in the year of 2022.