Famoxadone — toxicity, side effects, diseases and environmental impacts
12/02/2017 / By Earl Garcia
Famoxadone is classified as a synthetic fungicide that belongs to the oxazole substance group. The toxic chemical, which was first introduced in 1998, is used to control various plant pathogenic fungi such as downy mildew and blights. It is commonly applied to staple crops including potatoes, tomatoes and salad crops as well peppers, cucurbits, and grapes.
List of known side effects
Famoxadone exposure may occur through inhalation, ingestion, and direct skin and eye contact. The toxic fungicide is found to be particularly detrimental to the respiratory tract. An entry published on the Toxicology Data Network website reveals that inhaling the harmful chemical may trigger the onset of respiratory tract irritation, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and acute lung injury. Likewise, famoxadone exposure is associated with asthma, bronchospasm, and wheezing.
Direct chemical contact is known to result in headache, dizziness, weakness, and nausea as well. In addition, the hazardous substance may increase the risk of abnormalities of the hematopoietic system, liver, and kidneys. Previous animal studies have also shown that famoxadone poisoning may induce regenerative hemolytic anemia and reduced red blood cell count, hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. The toxic fungicide is also tied to an increased risk of cataract formation and contact dermatitis.
Furthermore, an entry posted on the open chemistry database Pub Chem reveals that famoxadone may pollute water resources and affect aquatic ecosystems and animals including fishes, invertebrates and crustaceans. Likewise, the chemical may be highly toxic to aquatic plants, algae, and sediment-dwelling organisms. The fungicide is also known to affect birds and other mammals. Famoxadone negatively impacts beneficial organisms like honeybees and earthworms as well.
Body systems affected by famoxadone
Famoxadone is notoriously detrimental to the respiratory system’s overall health. Likewise, the toxic fungicide is known to affect the digestive tract, the central nervous system and the body’s overall blood circulation. The chemical may also impact the liver, kidneys, the eyes and the skin.
Items that can contain famoxadone
The Pesticide Properties Database website shows that many trade name fungicides – such as Medley, Tanos, Famoxate and Equation Pro – contain famoxadone as a key ingredient. The chemical is widely used across Europe and the U.S.
How to avoid famoxadone
A safety data sheet published by SPEX CertiPrep recommends wearing protective clothing, gloves, and respiratory equipment to reduce the likelihood of famoxadone exposure. Likewise, the safety guidelines suggest that workplaces install adequate ventilation to lower the odds of exposure. The safety data sheet also advises that people exposed to the toxic fungicide should contact a poison control center or seek immediate medical help. In addition, people exposed to the chemical should be taken to an area with fresh air. Victims are also advised to wash their skin and eye thoroughly with plenty of water. Furthermore, the safety guidelines also recommend that people immediately vacate the area at the event of an accidental spill in order to avoid direct chemical contact.
Where to learn more
- North Carolina residents want to know if Dupont is secretly polluting their drinking water
- Overused fungicides give rise to deadly, resistant fungus threatening humans and crops
- Exposure to common fungicide causes neurological problems across four generations
- Fungicide chemicals found to produce autism-like symptoms in animal studies, causing inflammation of the nervous system
- Chemically induced autism? Scientist discovers pesticides, fungicides lead to neurodegeneration in test subjects
- Jury finds DuPont guilty of dumping cancer-causing Teflon chemicals into Ohio River that spread across the globe, causing widespread illness and death
Summary
Famoxadone causes respiratory tract irritation, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and acute lung injury.
Famoxadone exposure may raise the likelihood of asthma, bronchospasm, and wheezing.
Famoxadone triggers degenerative hemolytic anemia and reduces red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels.
Famoxadone may increase the odds of cataract formation and contact dermatitis.
Famoxadone affects the respiratory system, the central nervous system and the digestive tract.
Famoxadone is detrimental to the circulatory system, the liver, kidneys and both the eyes and skin.
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