Organophosphate pesticides (chlorpyrifos / malathion)
Toxins · Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor
High priority
What this is
Chlorpyrifos regulatory saga: EPA 2021 food use ban was vacated in court 2023, then EPA re-banned in 2024 for most uses. Ongoing litigation. Developmental window is critical — prenatal/early childhood exposure drives the strongest evidence base. EWG Dirty Dozen/Clean Fifteen lists are a reasonable shopping heuristic.
Mechanism
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors — same mechanism as nerve agents but lower potency; agricultural pesticides; chlorpyrifos banned on food crops by EPA 2021 after long fight; developmental neurotoxicity documented
Dose & route
Conventional produce rinse (reduces residue ~70%); EWG Dirty Dozen; organic for pregnant women/kids especially
Citations
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22106400/
- https://www.epa.gov/ingredients-used-pesticide-products/chlorpyrifos
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3279464/
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This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.