Fenpropathrin – toxicity, side effects, diseases and environmental impacts

12/02/2017 / By Janine Acero

Fenpropathrin is an insecticide used to control a range of insect pests, such as mites, whiteflies, leaf miners, armyworms, loopers, aphids, Tortrix moths, cutworms and stem borers. It appears as a yellow to brown liquid or solid substance with a faint characteristic odor. Fenpropathrin is applied to fruit and vegetable crops in the form of emulsifiable concentrate or suspension concentrate.

The molecular formula for fenpropathrin is C₂₂H₂₃NO_3.

List of known side effects

Fenpropathrin is an extremely toxic chemical that is harmful in contact with the skin, fatal if inhaled, and toxic if ingested. Some of the adverse side effects of direct contact with or exposure to fenpropathrin include:

Irritation of skin and eyes
Irritability to sound or touch
Abnormal facial sensation
Sensation of prickling, tingling or creeping on skin
Numbness
Headache
Dizziness
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Excessive salivation
Fatigue

Fenpropathrin’s production and use as an insecticide may result in its direct release to the environment. It is known to be highly toxic to aquatic organisms.

Body systems affected by fenpropathrin

Results of long-term toxicity studies with animal models concluded that there is no evidence of fenpropathrin-induced carcinogenic potential. Fenpropathrin is classified as “Not likely to be carcinogenic to humans” as per the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

However, fluid in the lungs and muscle twitching may develop in severe cases of fenpropathrin contact or exposure.

Items that can contain fenpropathrin

Residues of fenpropathrin can be found in apples, pears, grapes, peaches, citrus fruits, cotton seed, gherkins, sweet peppers, beans, cabbage, cucumber, aubergines, hops, maize and tomatoes.

Brand names for fenpropathrin include:

Danitol
Meothrin
Fenepropatrina
Fenpropanate
Fenpropathrin (ANSI)
Fenpropathrine
Fenpropatrin
Fenpropatrina
Herald
Meothrin
Ortho Danitol
Rody

Avoid these products that contain fenpropathrin as an active ingredient:

Danitol
Fenthrin
Platino
Rody
Meothrin

Manufacturers and suppliers of products containing fenpropathrin include:

Agro-Care Chemical Industry Group Ltd
Valent U.S.A. Corp.
Fortune Ag
Sumitomo

How to avoid fenpropathrin

Handlers, mixers and applicators of fenpropathrin may be exposed to its fumes in the workplace. The following are some safety and protective measures in case of contact with or exposure to fenpropathrin:

Inhalation – Check with the workplace regulations on using respirators during handling of chemicals. In case of accidental aspiration, leave the area of contamination and go to an open area with fresh air or proper ventilation. Seek medical attention immediately.
Skin contact – Wear a protective suit, chemical-resistant gloves and safety footwear or safety gumboots. Remove any contaminated clothing item carefully, avoiding any contact with the skin. Rinse the contaminated part of the skin with soap and water.
Eyes – Wearing goggles or a face shield is required before handling any chemical. In case of contact, remove contact lenses (if applicable), then rinse with running water for several minutes. Seek medical help at once.
Ingestion – Do not eat, drink or smoke near this substance. In case of swallowing any amount of fenpropathrin, give plenty of water to drink. Refer for medical attention immediately.

Where to learn more

Summary

Fenpropathrin is an insecticide used to control a range of insect pests. It appears as a yellow to brown liquid or solid substance with a faint characteristic odor.

Fenpropathrin is a highly toxic chemical that is harmful in contact with the skin, fatal if inhaled, and toxic if ingested.

Sources included:

FAO.org

ChemSpider.com

PubChem.NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov

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