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Pyrethrin Hazards

Pyrethrin is an insecticide used for pre-harvest and post-harvest agricultural crops, around livestock premises, industrial and commercial facilities and storage areas where raw food and animal feed are processed or stored, and aquatic areas where mosquitoes are found. It is also used indoors in insecticide bombs, pet shampoos and insecticide sprays. The product is very toxic to humans, and has several negative effects.

  1. Human Health Hazards

    • Acute exposure symptoms include dizziness, skin rashes, hives, headaches and difficulty breathing. Eye irritations such as redness, swelling and burning can occur. Chronic convulsions, diarrhea, uncoordination and hyperexcitability are also possible.

      The EPA considers pyrethrin a Class III, or slightly toxic, threat to humans and possibly carcinogenic. Many cases of insecticide poisonings are due to pyrethrin use. It can damage the human nervous system. Pyrethrin can trigger harsh allergic responses, such as severe asthma attacks and heart failure. It may be fatal if absorbed through the skin, inhaled or swallowed. Exposure to pyrethrin may cause a decrease in human hemoglobin.

    Environmental Hazards

    • It is toxic to aquatic animals, fish, birds, farm animals, wild animals and bees. It can also affect soil and plant growth by changing the abundance and growth of microorganisms responsible for maintaining soil fertility. Pest insects, such as mosquitoes, lice, cockroaches, aphids, moths and houseflies, can develop a resistance to pyrethrin, requiring stronger and more-toxic insecticides to kill them. Honey bees are very susceptible, leading to the inability of the bee to fly or walk. This would affect honey production and flower pollenization. It may negatively affect livestock growth and reproduction, and pregnant cattle may pass pyrethrin particles to unborn calves.

    Safety Precautions

    • Use a contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing with long sleeves. Goggles or glasses are recommended. Protective gloves should be used. Do not inhale vapors. Though pyrethrin is non-combustible, it decomposes upon heating, producing highly toxic, corrosive and irritating fumes. Containers can explode when heated. When exposed to air it oxidizes rapidly, becoming less- or non-toxic. To avoid ignition, keep storage tanks with pyrethrin cool. Avoid the spread of contaminated runoff into wildlife areas. Wash hands thoroughly after using. Use gloves and mask when washing pets with pyrethin-based products.

    Treatment

    • Inhalation victims should be moved into fresh air immediately. If skin becomes contaminated, it should be washed immediately with soap and water and clothes removed. Call a physician or a Poison Control Center immediately if pyrethrin is swallowed. If swallowed, do not induce vomiting, as this can cause aspiration pneumonia. Give the person water to sip if he is able to swallow. Rinse affected eyes for 15 to 20 minutes with water.

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