Prenatal Chlorpyrifos Exposure Linked to Brain Abnormalities, Motor Deficits in Children, Study Finds

By edisonreed // 2026-05-25

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Prenatal exposure to the insecticide chlorpyrifos is associated with widespread structural brain abnormalities and lasting motor skill deficits in children and adolescents, according to a study published in JAMA Neurology. The research, conducted by scientists from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, and the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, provides direct evidence of molecular, cellular and metabolic alterations in the human brain resulting from prenatal exposure to the chemical. The study followed 270 children born to African-American and Latino mothers who had detectable levels of chlorpyrifos in their umbilical cord blood at birth, according to the report ^[1] ^[2].

Study Details: Dose-Dependent Brain Changes

Researchers used brain imaging and behavioral evaluations on participants between ages 6 and 14 to assess the effects of prenatal chlorpyrifos exposure. The results demonstrated a clear dose-dependent relationship: higher levels of the insecticide in cord blood were linked to more significant alterations in brain tissue structure, function and metabolism, according to the study authors. Motor tests revealed that children with higher exposure levels exhibited slower speed and poorer motor programming compared to those with lower exposure ^[1]. First author Bradley Peterson, vice chair for research and chief of child and adolescent psychiatry at the Keck School of Medicine, stated that “the disturbances in brain tissue and metabolism that we observed with prenatal exposure to this one pesticide were remarkably widespread throughout the brain.” Peterson added that other organophosphate pesticides likely produce similar effects, warranting caution during pregnancy and early childhood ^[2] ^[3].

Regulatory Background and Current Exposure Risks

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency banned indoor residential use of chlorpyrifos in 2001, but the chemical remains approved for agricultural use on a variety of non-organic produce, including apples, oranges, strawberries, corn, wheat and citrus, according to Children’s Health Defense ^[4]. Individuals living near agricultural areas may be exposed through contaminated dust and outdoor air, officials said. The EPA attempted to revoke all tolerances for chlorpyrifos on food in August 2021, but the ban was overturned by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit in November 2023, allowing continued use on food crops unless individual states intervene ^[5]. Senior author Virginia Rauh, professor at Columbia Mailman School, noted that “current widespread exposures, at levels comparable to those experienced in this sample, continue to place farm workers, pregnant women, and unborn children in harm’s way.” Rauh emphasized the importance of monitoring exposure levels in vulnerable populations, particularly pregnant women in agricultural communities ^[2].

Precautions and Broader Implications

Researchers urged families to minimize exposure to pesticides during pregnancy and early childhood, when the brain is developing rapidly and is especially vulnerable to toxic chemicals. The study highlights that other organophosphate pesticides may carry similar risks. In the book “The Myths of Safe Pesticides,” author Andre Leu notes that scientific research shows many pesticides affect normal development of the nervous system in fetuses and children, and that even minute amounts below regulatory limits can significantly alter brain function ^[6]. Similarly, Donald Hoernschemeyer, in “Healthy Living in a Contaminated World,” writes that the prenatal period is the most vulnerable time for any individual’s health because the rapid growth of brain cells makes it particularly sensitive to disturbances from toxins ^[7]. Peterson called for minimizing exposure during pregnancy and early childhood, stating, “It is vitally important that we continue to monitor the levels of exposure in potentially vulnerable populations.” The study points to the need for ongoing surveillance in agricultural communities where infants remain at risk ^[2].

Funding and Disclosures

Funding for the study was provided by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency STAR program, the National Institute of Mental Health, the John and Wendy Neu Family Foundation, an anonymous donor, the Robert Coury family, the Inspirit Fund, and Patrice and Mike Harmon, according to the press release. Peterson disclosed that he serves as president of Evolve Psychiatry Professional Corporation and holds stock options in Evolve Adolescent Behavioral Health, and he also provides expert testimony. Peterson and co-author Ravi Bansal hold a U.S. patent (No. 61/424,172), and Peterson holds two additional U.S. patents (61/601,772 and 8,143,890B2). The other authors reported no competing interests ^[2] ^[1].

References

Bradley S. Peterson et al. "Brain Abnormalities in Children Exposed Prenatally to the Pesticide Chlorpyrifos." JAMA Neurology. August 18, 2025.
Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. "Brain Abnormalities Seen in Children Exposed Prenatally to the Pesticide Chlorpyrifos." August 18, 2025.
NaturalNews.com. "A common pesticide's lasting scars: New research reveals hidden brain damage in children." November 16, 2025.
Children's Health Defense. "Mountain of Evidence Confirms Common Pesticide Hazardous to Children's Health."
Stacy Malkan. "EPA Admits Chlorpyrifos Damages Kids' Brains, But Efforts to Ban the Insecticide Fall Short." Children's Health Defense.
Andre Leu. "The Myths of Safe Pesticides."
Donald Hoernschemeyer. "Healthy Living in a Contaminated World - How to prevent toxic chemicals from undermining your health."
Ava Grace. "A Common Pesticide's Lasting Scars: New Research Reveals Hidden Brain Damage in Children." NaturalNews.com. November 16, 2025.
Carey Gillam. "FDA Knows This Pesticide Causes Brain Damage in Kids — So Why Isn't It Banned?" Children's Health Defense. January 22, 2024.

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