Chlorpyrifos


Chlorpyrifos: An organophosphate insecticide that has adverse neurological effects. Also known as Dursban. Introduced in 1965, chlorpyrifos was a well known home and garden insecticide, and at one time it was one of the most widely used household pesticides in the US.

Chlorpyrifos causes weakness, vomiting, diarrhea and other ill effects in children. It can also cause blurred vision and memory loss.

Anyone can be exposed when the chemical is applied in a backyard or a building and through residue on fruits or other foods. Dursban was in hundreds of products including some of Raid sprays, Hartz yard and kennel flea spray, and Black Flag liquid roach and ant killer.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned chlorpyrifos from domestic use. The manufacture of chlorpyrifos for most residential uses and all uses where children could be exposed was to halt by December 2001 and its use for termite control was to be phased out in all buildings used by children.

Read Also:

  • Chloroprene

    Chloroprene: A possible carcinogen (cancer-causing agent) primarily used in the production of the elastomer polychloroprene (neoprene). The US government in 2000 classified chloroprene as “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.” In laboratory animal studies of chloroprene, cancer was observed in multiple organs of multiple species following long-term inhalation exposures.

  • Choana

    Choana: An opening at the back of the nasal passage (there is a left and a right side) that empties into the space behind the nose called the nasopharynx, where the adenoids and eustachian tube are. The passage way continues down into the back of the mouth and into the throat.

  • Choanal

    Choanal: Pertaining to the choana, the passageway from the back of one side of the nose to the throat. The choana is shaped like the opening of a train tunnel in a mountain which then opens into the space called the nasopharynx. The choanae must be open to permit breathing through the nose. Choanal atresia […]

  • Choanal atresia

    Choanal atresia: Blockage of the choana, the passageway from the back of one side of the nose to the throat. The choana is shaped like an inverted funnel which opens into the upper throat. There are two choanae. The choanae must be open to permit breathing through the nose. Choanal atresia can occur as an […]

  • Choanal stenosis

    Choanal stenosis: Abnormal narrowing of the choana, the passageway from the back of one side of the nose to the throat. The choana is shaped like the opening of a train tunnel in a mountain which then opens into the space called the nasopharynx. There are two choanae. The choanae must be open to permit […]


Disclaimer: Chlorpyrifos definition / meaning should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional. All content on this website is for informational purposes only.