These effects are largely due to carbofuran's rapid inhibition of cholinesterase activity, and is generally reversible once exposure ceases.
Higher doses have the potential to cause damage to the nervous and reproductive systems.
There is no evidence that carbofuran has the potential to cause cancer from lifetime exposures in drinking water. Earlier uses were primarily on corn crops. This broad spectrum insecticide is sprayed directly onto soil and plants just after emergence to control beetles, nematodes and rootworm. Carbofuran will soon be banned from use on corn and sorghum in California. Release Patterns Carbofuran enters surface water as a result of runoff from treated fields and enters ground water by leaching of treated crops.