What are Fungicides?

Fungicides are chemical compounds used to kill or inhibit the growth of fungi or fungi spores (they are considered a pesticide). Fungi are of special concern in agriculture as they can cause significant damage in plants. As with other pesticides, many fungicides can have negative human health impacts both from application exposure, pesticide drift, and as residues on food.

Health Effects of Fungicides

Fungicide acute toxicity is considered low to humans. It includes skin, eye, and throat irritation (if inhaled). Penn State provides a list of specific pesticides such as fungicides and herbicides and their correlated health effects.

Captan, a fungicide used on fruits, vegetables, plant seeds, and food crop packaging boxes, is classified by the EPA as a probable human carcinogen. To learn more the EPA provides information on Captan

More Information

The Purdue Extension Office has developed a fact sheet for organic gardeners on the use of organic fungicides: Using Organic Fungicides.