Chlorpyrifos: new review finds broad, multi-system toxicity

A comprehensive April 2026 review of nearly 300 studies finds chlorpyrifos causes widespread harm beyond its well-known neurotoxic effects, including damage to the brain, hormones, liver, gut microbiome, muscles, reproductive organs, and bones, plus DNA damage and lasting epigenetic changes. Some adverse effects occur at exposure levels below current safety thresholds, with fetuses and young children especially vulnerable. Regulators may not fully capture these risks in testing, prompting calls for independent research, stronger protections for pregnant people and children, and a reassessment of industry-sponsored studies as the EPA reevaluates remaining uses of the pesticide.