People are commonly exposed to OP pesticides through eating fresh and
processed vegetables, contacting pesticide-contaminated surfaces,
breathing air near pesticide applications (both indoors and outdoors),
and drinking pesticide-contaminated water. The multiple uses and
ubiquitous nature of these chemicals result in routine exposures to
many different OPs for most people.
Widespread exposure to the OPs has been documented through research done by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and other scientists as highlighted in PAN's 2004 report, Chemical Trespass, which show that most people in the U.S. have breakdown products of OP pesticides in their urine. Some groups, especially young children, have levels above those deemed “acceptable” by EPA. Because OPs generally do not persist in the environment for long periods of time and do not build up in the body fat of humans and other animals, the fact that these pesticides were found in such a high percentage of test subjects indicates that most people are routinely exposed to these chemicals on a daily basis.
The presence of pesticides in the body does not indicate adverse health effects, per se. However, it does give reason for serious concern. Ample information generally does exist -- from both human epidemiological studies and animal studies - linking exposure and health effects.
Why are OP’s still on the market if they are so dangerous?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), under the Federal Insecticide Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), makes decisions regarding the regulation of pesticide use. Under this statute, the EPA can only register a product when the agency determines that use of the product does not pose an unreasonable risk of adverse effects. In 1996 Congress passed the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) to address shortfalls of FIFRA with respect, in particular, to pesticide exposure among children and infants.
Unfortunately, the implementation of these EPA decision-making processes is marred by serious defects, inappropriate industry influence and deliberate delays. The result is too little protection too late. Read more about OPs regulation.