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Methyl parathion in residential properties: relocation and decontamination methodology
J Milton Clark1, John Bing-Canar, Steve Renninger
1U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Chicago, Illinois 60604, USA. clark.jmilton@epa.gov
Environmental Health Perspectives
|March 14, 2003
Summary
Illegal methyl parathion (MP) spraying led to long-term contamination in Ohio homes. Risk-based criteria for resident relocation and property decontamination were developed based on MP levels and byproducts.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Public Health
Background:
- Methyl parathion (MP), a restricted pesticide, was illegally used in Ohio residences in 1994.
- Detectable MP levels persisted on surfaces and in the air for three years post-application.
- MP's high toxicity and indoor persistence necessitated risk-based interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the methodology for resident relocation and property decontamination following illegal MP spraying.
- To establish risk-based criteria for addressing widespread pesticide contamination in residential settings.
Main Methods:
- Developed relocation criteria based on urinary p-nitrophenol levels, a metabolite of MP exposure.
- Utilized surface and air concentrations of MP to trigger relocation in Ohio.
- Refined criteria based on subsequent MP misuse cases in other states.
Main Results:
- The MP investigation (1994-1997) was the largest pesticide misuse case in the U.S.
- Approximately 9,000 residences were sampled, and 1,000 properties underwent decontamination.
- Established protocols for managing large-scale residential pesticide contamination incidents.
Conclusions:
- Effective methodologies were implemented for relocating residents and decontaminating properties affected by MP.
- The study highlights the importance of robust public health and environmental response strategies for pesticide misuse incidents.