Still using these dangerous products?

As of January 1, 2022, Maryland banned all pesticides containing chlorpyrifos for ALL use in the state. Due to inadequate notification by Maryland Dept. of Agriculture’s Pesticide Regulation department, farmers, orchards, golf courses, land care companies, schools, hospitals, municipalities – and their workers – may be unaware of the ban and still using these banned products.

Chlorpyrifos is used in the production of fruits, including peaches, apples, pears, and strawberries, and many vegetables including sweet potatoes, broccoli, cabbage, kale, onions, and corn. Federal law bans chlorpyrifos use on all foods. In Maryland, all uses of chlorpyrifos have been banned.

It has been commonly used on golf course turf and in land care and exposure can occur when golfers, children, and pets play on treated turf and track it into homes on shoes. Chlorpyrifos drift during applications can affect anyone and be carried far through the air.

Health impacts from chlorpyrifos exposure includes brain-damage in children, learning disabilities, pediatric cancer, ADD/ADHD, neurological damage, asthma, Parkinson’s disease, and more. It is the second most toxic pesticide for bees and causes harm to wildlife and aquatic life.

Check your shelves for these banned chlorpyrifos products

Access alternatives to products with chlorpyrifos

Download the report, “Alternatives to Chlorpyrifos for Maryland Agriculture and Land Care”

Download the list, “Chlorpyrifos Alternatives”

If you have these products, dispose of them safely

For professional users, contact the Maryland Pesticide Disposal Program.

For household pesticides, use the Household Hazardous Waste Collection programs in each county. Access county disposal locations here.

If you find these products in stores

Contact Maryland Pesticide Education Network.

Download this information as a fact sheet