Phosalone — toxicity, side effects, diseases and environmental impacts

11/17/2017 / By Earl Garcia

Phosalone is classified as both an insecticide and acaricide. The chemical was first introduced by the Rhone-Poulenc company in 1963. An Extension Toxicology Network entry reveals that the insecticide is commonly used to deter pests such as red spider mites, beetles, and caterpillars as well as seed weevils, fruit maggots, and codling moth. An article posted on the Pesticide Properties Database adds that the compound is applied to various crops such as:

Citrus fruits
Grapes
Potatoes
Artichokes
Pome fruits
Apples
Pears
Plums
Apricot
Nuts
Stone fruits

List of known side effects

Phosalone may affect the body through various exposure routes such as respiratory tract, digestive tract, and direct skin and eye contact. The insecticide is notoriously harmful to the respiratory tract and may trigger the onset of respiratory depression, tightness in chest, and wheezing as well as productive cough and fluid accumulation in the lungs. An entry posted on the Pesticide Action Network North America (PANNA) website also shows that phosalone exposure may result in reproductive and developmental toxicity, neurotoxicity, and acute toxicity.

The hazardous insecticide is known to negatively affect digestive health as well. The article stresses that ingesting the chemical may result in nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps as well as diarrhea and incontinence. The entry also reveals that the harmful compound is detrimental to the central nervous system and may cause headache, seizures and loss of consciousness.

In addition, the insecticide is found to affect muscle health. According to the PANNA article, the compound may cause muscle twitching, general weakness, tremor, and reduced muscle coordination. Direct contact with the hazardous substance is also linked to the onset of severe skin irritation and serious eye conditions such as blurred vision and pinpoint pupils.

Phosalone is shown to contaminate water ways and impact both aquatic resources and animals. The insecticide is also known to contaminate the soil and groundwater, and is toxic to birds and other insects. A safety data sheet published by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) adds that the harmful chemical is highly flammable in both its liquid and vapor form.

Body systems affected by phosalone

Phosalone is particularly hazardous to the respiratory tract. Likewise, the insecticide is known the impact both the digestive tract and the central nervous system. The harmful chemical is found to affect muscle health as well. In addition, the harmful insecticide is associated with compromised skin and eye health.

Items that can contain phosalone

Phosalone is a primary ingredient in many commercial insecticides in the U.S. It is available in various forms such as emulsifiable concentrate, wettable powder and dust formulations.

How to avoid phosalone

Safe guidelines from OSHA recommends wearing protective clothing and eye equipment to prevent direct contact. Likewise, the safety data sheet suggests wearing protecting masks and installing adequate ventilation in order to reduce the risk of chemical inhalation. The guidelines also advise that people exposed to the chemical seek immediate medical attention.

Where to learn more

Summary

Phosalone causes reproductive and developmental toxicity, neurotoxicity and acute toxicity.

Phosalone triggers respiratory depression, wheezing, tightness in chest and lung fluid accumulation.

Phosalone raises the odds of diarrhea, incontinence, seizures and loss of consciousness.

Phosalone may also cause general weakness, reduced muscle coordination and severe skin and eye irritation.

Phosalone is notoriously detrimental to the respiratory system’s overall health.

Phosalone also affects both the digestive tract and the central nervous system.

Phosalone negatively impacts muscle health and skin and eye condition.

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