Chlorpyrifos Pesticide Exposure Detected in Infants, Raising New Neurotoxicity Concerns

Researchers detected evidence of chlorpyrifos exposure in more than half of infant hair samples, along with other potentially neurotoxic pesticides and persistent chemicals banned decades ago.

A new study has detected evidence of chlorpyrifos and other potentially neurotoxic pesticide exposure in infants who died unexpectedly, raising questions about the effects of these chemicals on the developing nervous system.

According to findings published in the European Journal of Pediatrics on October 24, French researchers identified pesticide residues and exposure markers in hair, blood serum and cerebrospinal fluid samples collected from infants who died unexpectedly.

Although the study did not establish that pesticide exposure contributed to the deaths, researchers warned that detecting certain chemicals in the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord warrants further investigation into potential neurotoxicity.

Chlorpyrifos Pesticide Risks

Previous research has linked prolonged chlorpyrifos exposure to an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease, including at levels once considered safe. A 2025 study published in Molecular Neurodegeneration found that individuals with long-term chlorpyrifos exposure faced a 2.5 times greater risk of developing Parkinson’s disease compared with those who were not exposed.

Animal experiments also identified a mechanism by which chlorpyrifos may progressively damage dopamine-producing neurons, producing changes similar to those associated with Parkinson’s disease.

As a result, attorneys have begun investigating potential chlorpyrifos Parkinson’s disease lawsuits involving Gulf War veterans, farmworkers, landscapers, pest control professionals and others who developed the neurological disorder after repeated or substantial exposure to insecticides marketed under brand names such as Dursban, Lorsban, Raid, Ortho and other products.

Chlorpyrifos Infant Exposure Study

For the new study, a team of French researchers looked at data on 168 infants in France who died unexpectedly between 2020 and 2024. Led by Emmanuel Bourdet, the researchers examined 98 blood serum samples, 97 cerebrospinal fluid samples and 57 hair samples. The infants had a median age of four months at death, and researchers tested the samples for dozens of pesticides and their breakdown products to identify patterns of exposure.

Bourdet’s team detected TCPy, a biomarker associated with chlorpyrifos exposure, in 56.1% of hair samples, along with the pesticides fipronil sulfone in 57.9% and cypermethrin in 56.1%. They also identified several banned but persistent pesticides, including p,p′-DDE, a DDT breakdown product found in every blood serum sample tested.

The DDT breakdown product was also detected in 15.5% of cerebrospinal fluid samples, while another persistent pesticide, β-HCH, was found in 12.4%. These findings suggest certain environmental chemicals can reach the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord, raising questions about their potential effects on neurological development.

Researchers noted that pesticides can interfere with neurotransmitters involved in the autonomic nervous system, which regulates breathing, heart rate and other involuntary functions. They also found that breastfeeding was associated with higher detection of persistent pesticides in blood serum and cerebrospinal fluid, while younger infants were more likely to have detectable residues in cerebrospinal fluid.

“The detection of pesticides in the cerebrospinal fluid of very young infants warrants further investigation of potential neurotoxicity.”

— Emmanuel Bourdet, Pesticide detection in postmortem serum, hair, and cerebrospinal fluid from cases of sudden unexpected death in infancy: a registry-based study

Because the study lacked a comparison group of unaffected infants, the researchers cautioned that their findings do not establish a connection between pesticide exposure and sudden unexpected infant deaths. They recommended larger comparative studies and expanded testing for other potentially neurotoxic chemicals.

Chlorpyrifos Exposure Lawsuits

As concerns over chlorpyrifos side effects continue to mount, attorneys nationwide are evaluating potential chlorpyrifos injury lawsuits involving individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease following repeated or direct exposure to the pesticide. Potential claims may involve individuals who:

• Mixed, handled or sprayed chlorpyrifos-based insecticides on five or more occasions.
• Lived in or spent time inside homes treated with chlorpyrifos for termites or other pests.
• Were repeatedly exposed to pesticide drift while living or working near agricultural operations.
• Worked at construction sites where chlorpyrifos was applied to soil, foundations or building perimeters.
• Regularly encountered chlorpyrifos while maintaining golf courses, landscaped properties or other treated areas.
• Served in the military during the First Gulf War from 1990 to 1992, when chlorpyrifos was used to control insects at military camps and installations.

A chlorpyrifos Parkinson’s disease lawyer can examine the products used, how often and how long exposure occurred, where the pesticide was encountered and the individual’s medical history to assess whether a claim may qualify for compensation through a lawsuit or settlement.

Individuals considering a chlorpyrifos lawsuit can obtain a free case evaluation, with legal fees paid only if compensation is recovered.

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