Organophosphate Pesticides

Structure of chlorpyrifos, an organophosphate pesticide
Structure of chlorpyrifos, an organophosphate pesticide
CAS Number: various

Organophosphate pesticides are used in commercial agriculture to control pests on fruit and vegetable crops.  They are also used in home gardens, for flea control on pets, and in some no-pest strips.  In the past, organophosphates were widely used inside homes to control other pests like termites and ants, but these uses have been discontinued. 

Download: 
OrganophosphatePesticidesFactSheet.pdf

Fact Sheet

Organophosphate pesticides are found in

  • Some flea and tick collars, shampoos, sprays, and powders for dogs and cats.
  • Some garden pest control products and no-pest strips.
  • Some fruits and vegetables.  Small amounts of organophosphate pesticides found in these foods come from agricultural pesticide use. 
  • Air and dust in areas where organophosphate pesticides are used, such as some farms or home gardens.
  • Some treatments for head lice.

Possible health concerns of some organophosphate pesticides

  • May affect the nervous system.
  • May harm the developing fetus, possibly affecting later learning and behavior.

Possible ways to reduce exposure to organophosphate pesticides

  • Use pesticide-free methods for pest prevention in your home and garden.  If you choose to use pesticides, consider baits and traps instead of sprays.  Always follow directions for use, storage, and disposal.
  • To help control fleas without pesticides, comb pets with a flea comb, regularly bathe pets with pesticide-free shampoo, and wash pet bedding.
  • If a pesticide is needed for flea control, consider safer spot-on treatments or oral medications for your pet.  Ask your veterinarian about the safest choices.
  • Wash all fruits and vegetables before eating them.
  • Consider choosing organic or pesticide-free fruits and vegetables.
  • Because pesticides can be in dust, wash your hands often, especially before eating or preparing food, clean your floors regularly, and use a damp cloth to dust.

For More Information: 

Tips for pest prevention:
http://www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/dept/factshts/pull2.pdf
Find local disposal site for pesticides:
http://recyclenation.com/

Biomonitoring California Information

Projects measuring Organophosphate Pesticides

Documents, Presentations, and Publications: 

Chemicals in this group

Is this information helpful?

Average: 3 (2 votes)

Biomonitoring California Guide Banner

Upcoming Meetings and Events

  • July 25, 2019 | Oakland, CA
    Biomonitoring California Scientific Guidance Panel Meeting, July 2019
  • November 06, 2019 |
    Biomonitoring California Scientific Guidance Panel Meeting, November 2019
Meeting Archive

Register to Vote

AMBER ALERT: Save a Child

Amber Alert logo

AMBER ALERT empowers law enforcement, the media and the public to combat abduction by sending out immediate information.

Organophosphate Pesticides | Biomonitoring California

Error

Error message

Unable to send e-mail. Contact the site administrator if the problem persists.
The website encountered an unexpected error. Please try again later.