Important Health Update: The Long-Term Reality of Eluvium Fungicide Exposure

Dear Supporters,

I am writing to share a critical update regarding the real, ongoing health impacts of the aerial drift incident that occurred on May 31, 2026. On that day, while out for a simple walk, I was directly exposed to and inhaled Eluvium Fungicide sprayed by a crop-duster.

As we continue to push for accountability, safety regulations, and transparency, it is vital that our community and decision-makers understand exactly what happens to the human body during and after an exposure event like this.

Whether it is Eluvium fungicide, paraquat, commercial mosquito sprays (which often utilize synthetic pyrethroids like permethrin, deltamethrin, and bifenthrin, or organophosphates like malathion), or similar chemical practices, most of us can intuit that these substances are simply not good for long-term or acute exposure...neither for us nor for the other beings in our shared ecosystem.

Eluvium itself is a heavy-duty agricultural fungicide. Its active ingredient, chlorothalonil, carries a Toxicity Category II classification for inhalation meaning it is highly irritating and toxic when breathed into the human lungs. Months after an incident like this, the potential long-term health consequences remain a serious concern.

Here is what can happen health-wise in such an event:
 
1. Immediate (Acute) Respiratory Distress
 
Direct inhalation of the chemical spray mist triggers immediate, severe inflammation of the respiratory tract, causing:
✓Severe irritation and burning of the nose, throat, and lungs.
✓Intense coughing, wheezing, and acute shortness of breath.
✓Risk of chemical pneumonitis (severe inflammation of the lung tissue).
 
2. Reactive Airways Dysfunction Syndrome (RADS)
Even a single, high-dose accidental inhalation can permanently damage the airways. This can lead to RADS a severe, chronic form of occupational asthma. The lungs become permanently hypersensitive, meaning that ordinary triggers like cold air, dust, smoke, or perfumes can cause sudden asthma attacks or chronic bronchitis for years to come.
 
3. Organ Strain (Kidneys and Liver)
When chlorothalonil is absorbed deeply into the body through the lungs or skin, it must be filtered out. The chemical and its metabolites directly target the kidneys and liver, which can cause persistent metabolic strain or damage to these vital organs.
 
4. Severe Allergic Sensitization
Chlorothalonil is a known, potent contact allergen. Exposure can cause long-term skin and eye hyper-reactivity, resulting in persistent rashes, hives, or easily irritated, bloodshot eyes long after the mist itself has cleared.
 
5. Carcinogenicity Risks
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies chlorothalonil as a "likely human carcinogen," primarily based on studies showing an increased risk of kidney and liver tumors. While a single exposure event carries a different risk profile than years of daily exposure, any significant absorption into the body elevates lifetime health risks.

6. Neurological, Cognitive, and Mental Health Risks
While the immediate impact of an aerial chemical drift is heavily focused on the lungs, growing medical and scientific evidence connects pesticide and fungicide exposure to long-term neurological strain. The central nervous system can be impacted in several distinct ways:

-Chronic Cognitive Decline and Dementia Risks: Epidemiological studies increasingly link prolonged or severe acute exposure to agricultural chemicals with an elevated risk of developing neurodegenerative conditions later in life, including Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Exposure can trigger neuroinflammation (inflammation in the brain), oxidative stress, and the disruption of neural pathways essential for learning, concentration, and verbal memory. 

-Neurodevelopmental Impact: For children, infants, and developing fetuses, early-life exposure to airborne toxins is a significant concern. Studies indicate that early chemical exposure can compromise the blood-brain barrier and alter brain architecture. This has been linked to lower birth weights, reduced IQ scores, and increased rates of neurodevelopmental conditions like ADHD and autism spectrum disorders. 

-Mental Health and Neurobehavioral Shifts: Toxic exposures are known stressors on the brain's neurochemistry. Surviving an acute chemical poisoning event can be followed by a complex mix of physiological and psychological impacts, including chronic brain fog, sleep dysregulation, clinical anxiety, and depressive disorders. 

(Note: While certain classes of insecticides like organophosphates and DDT have the strongest direct, proven causal links to Alzheimer's pathology, modern laboratory research shows that broad-spectrum fungicides also significantly alter gene expressions involved in neuron communication and stimulate neuroinflammation)

7. Musculoskeletal System and Systemic Inflammation
The damage from severe chemical inhalation is rarely contained just to the lungs; it frequently triggers a widespread, systemic inflammatory response that directly impacts the muscles, joints, and spine:

-Chronic Systemic Inflammation: High-dose chemical exposure can throw the body's immune system into a state of chronic hyper-drive. This systemic inflammation floods the bloodstream with pro-inflammatory proteins (cytokines), causing widespread tissue irritation, deep muscle aches, and persistent, unexplained fatigue that mimics autoimmune conditions.

-Musculoskeletal Pain and Weakness: When the body is actively trying to neutralize and filter toxic compounds, muscle tissue can suffer from toxic myopathy or severe oxidative stress. This manifests as chronic muscle weakness, joint stiffness, and deep, aching pain in the limbs and back that does not resolve with standard rest or physical therapy.

-Spinal and Joint Flare-ups: Systemic inflammation heavily targets areas with dense connective tissue or pre-existing vulnerabilities, such as the spine and joints. Individuals exposed to toxic drift often report a severe worsening of spinal inflammation, herniated disc pain, sciatica, or arthritic conditions, as the chemical stress exacerbess the body's localized inflammatory pathways.

Our Next Steps
This is why our petition matters. Spraying over or near residential walking paths puts human lives at risk of permanent injury.

If you or anyone you know was exposed during the incident, medical professionals recommend establishing a medical baseline through Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) to track lung capacity, alongside a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) to monitor liver and kidney function.

Thank you for standing with me, sharing this update, and continuing to fight for stricter rules on aerial spraying near our communities. Please share this update to help spread awareness.

A single exposure to a toxic agricultural fungicide during pregnancy can echo through 20 generations, with inherited disease risks...
 

In solidarity,
Clelia from The H20 Project

Medical Disclaimer: The health information provided above is for general educational and advocacy awareness purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition or exposure to toxic substances.
 
 
 
 "Fact Sheet"

Eungicide like Eluvium, it is considered a serious medical event. The active ingredient, chlorothalonil, carries a Toxicity Category II classification for inhalation, meaning it is highly irritating and toxic when breathed in. 
 
 Key Details
Active Ingredient: Chlorothalonil at 6 lb/gal (multi-site mode of action). [1, 2]
Function: Used for disease resistance management and integrated pest management (IPM) programs.
Target Diseases: Controls and suppresses crop diseases such as potato blight, peanut leafspot, anthracnose, ascochyta, and basal rot.
Key Features: Features high rain-fastness and sticking properties designed for adverse weather conditions. 
Compatible Products: Can be paired with products like Valkarie (adjuvant), Omavo Elite, and Galvan XRT. 
 

Eluvium is a liquid agricultural and broad-spectrum foliar fungicide manufactured by Innvictis Crop Care.