|  | Conditions Treatments | Poisoning

Effects of Cypermethrin

Pesticides like cypermethrin are designed to kill insects. They can also be dangerous to other animals that encounter them. Cypermethrin has proven to be highly toxic in fish, an unintended consequence of its use. It can also cause adverse health effects in humans.

  1. The Facts

    • Cypermethrin is a synthetic pyrethroid, a man-made chemical that mimics the insect-killing abilities of chrysanthemums. It is used to protect crops from pests. It is also used to prevent insects from entering buildings. Cypermethrin is put into cracks and holes in apartment buildings, warehouses, laboratories and stores. It can also be used on ships, planes and trucks to prevent insect infestation. It can cause health problems in humans. Cypermethrin has adverse effects on the skin, respiratory system and digestive system and can even cause death.

    Skin

    • Cypermethrin can irritate the skin and eyes if it comes in contact with them. Cypermethrin effects on the skin include sensations of numbness, burning or tingling at the site of exposure. Some people may also experience allergic reactions. The body can absorb it through the skin. After dermal absorption, a person can experience impaired coordination, dizziness and even seizures. A person exposed to large amounts of cypermethrin can lose bladder control.

    Respiratory System

    • Cypermethrin can be inhaled. This is mostly likely to happen to a person who is applying the pesticide. If she has a respiratory condition or infection, then cypermethrin can affect her by exacerbating the condition. If she has a sensitive respiratory system, then she may also feel the effects of cypermethrin.

    Digestive System

    • Cypermethrin can have adverse effects on a person's digestive system. This can happen if he absorbs the pesticide through his skin or in the unlikely event that he ingests it. He can experience intense nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. If these symptoms are severe, there is a risk of dehydration. These effects usually occur only at high levels of exposure.

    Death and Other Effects

    • Cypermethrin has been flagged by the EPA as a weak possible carcinogen in humans. It can affect the central nervous system. In long-term experiments with test animals, exposure caused changes to the liver and kidneys. There is also the possibility that cypermethrin can cause death. This requires extreme exposure, like eating a large quantity of the chemical.

Poisoning - Related Articles